CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA
NOTICE OF MEETING
You are invited to attend a Meeting of the
GOWER AONB PARTNERSHIP STEERING GROUP
At: Penclawdd Community Centre, Penclawdd
On: Monday, 19 December 2016
Time: 7.00 pm
Chair: Councillor Paul Lloyd
Membership: Councillors: M C Child, J P Curtice, J E C Harris, P R Hood-Williams, L James and K E Marsh
R Button, R Cooper, C Daugherty, J Davies, S Heard, S Hill, P R Hood-Williams, G Howe, H Morgan, D Vine, A Woodman and R Wright
AGENDA Page No.
1 Apologies for Absence.
2 Welcome and Introductions.
3 Disclosures of Personal and Prejudicial Interests.
4 Minutes. 1 - 5 To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting(s).
5 Matters Arising from the Minutes.
6 Approval of AONB Management Plan. 6 - 162
7 Planning Related Matters on Gower. (Verbal) Caravan colours being slowly changed; Sheds within the AONB being given conditions to make them less conspicuous in the landscape.
8 Gower Landscape Partnership Update. (Verbal) 9 Sustainable Development Fund Update. 163 - 164
Next Meeting: Monday, 27 March 2017 at 7.00 pm at the Barham Centre, Mount Pisgah Chapel, Parkmill, Gower.
Huw Evans Head of Democratic Services 12 December 2016 Contact: Democratic Services: - 636923 Agenda Item 4
CITY AND COUNTY OF SWANSEA
MINUTES OF THE GOWER AONB PARTNERSHIP STEERING GROUP
HELD AT THE MINOR HALL, REYNOLDSTON VILLAGE HALL, REYNOLDSTON, GOWER ON MONDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 7.00 PM
PRESENT: Councillor P Lloyd (Chair) presided
Councillor(s) Councillor(s) J P Curtice L James
Representing Organisations: R Button Tourism Swansea Bay S Heard Gower Riding Club/Port Eynon Community Council S Hill GGAT R Cooper Llanrhidian Higher Community Council J Davies Bay Trans D Vine Resident R Wright Natural Resources Wales
Officer(s) Chris Lindley Gower AONB Team Leader Mike Scott Gower AONB Officer Jeremy Parkhouse Democratic Services Officer
ALSO PRESENT: B Parry Walking Forum P.C. P Davies South Wales Police P.C.S.O. A Brown South Wales Police P.C.S.O. J Borthwick South Wales Police
Apologies for Absence Councillor(s): M C Child, J E C Harris, P R Hood-Williams and K E Marsh Independent Member(s): G Howe
12 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS.
The Chair welcomed all present to the Minor Hall, Reynoldston Village Hall and commenced proceedings.
13 DISCLOSURES OF PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no interests were declared.
Page 1 Minutes of the Gower AONB Partnership Steering Group (19.09.2016) Cont’d
14 MINUTES.
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Gower AONB Partnership Annual Meeting held on 4 July 2016 be accepted as a correct record.
15 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
There were no matters arising from the Minutes.
16 ASH DIE-BACK. (VERBAL)
Chris Lindley, Gower AONB Team Leader provided the Steering Group with a presentation regarding ash die-back. He referred to a map of the UK provided by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) that showed the cases of ash die-back, including the location of diseased trees on Gower. The disease had been transported from Europe and the first recorded cases in the UK were found in East Anglia in 2012.
He explained that ash die-back is a fundal disease affecting ash trees. Diseased trees will show evidence of leaf damage, crown die-back and lesions. He added that the majority of woodland on Gower was ash, meaning the disease could have a significant affect upon the woodland canopy and the physical landscape.
He noted that there was no statutory management requirements for diseased trees and stated that removal of the trees would be counter-productive as there was very little that could be done to control or prevent the disease.
Examples of the disease were shown from Kent Downs AONB and it was commented that in the south east of England they were coming to terms with the disease. Current projects investigating the disease included the ‘Living Ash Project’ which was examining resistance to the disease.
The Group asked questions of the Gower AONB Team Leader which were responded to accordingly. It was requested that any possible cases of ash die-back be reported to NRW / Gower AONB Team.
RESOLVED that: -
1) The contents of the presentation be noted; 2) The Gower AONB Team Leader circulates information regarding ash die-back to Community and Town Councils.
17 JAPANESE KNOTWEED ON GOWER. (VERBAL)
Mike Scott, Gower AONB Officer provided a verbal update on Japanese Knotweed. The update was provided in response to comments made at the Annual Meeting regarding City and County of Swansea contractors cutting Japanese Knotweed when cutting hedgerows on Gower. He added that a survey was currently being undertaken to establish the extent of the spread of Japanese Knotweed on Gower.
Page 2 Minutes of the Gower AONB Partnership Steering Group (19.09.2016) Cont’d
He added that contractors cutting hedgerows were not supposed to cut the Knotweed. However, it appeared that in practice, this was not always happening.
The City & County of Swansea were running a spraying programme and a new form of treatment was being piloted.
RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.
18 ROAD CASUALTIES ON GOWER COMMONS. (VERBAL)
The Gower AONB Officer provided a verbal update regarding road casualties on Gower Commons. The issue was highlighted at the Annual Meeting and discussions with the Gower Commoners were ongoing. Reference was made to the successful introduction of average speed cameras between Llanrhidian and Gowerton and it was hoped that similar schemes could be introduced on Gower Commons.
RESOLVED that the contents of the update be noted.
19 RURAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN & LOCAL ACTION GROUP.
The Gower AONB Team Leader provided the Group with a report regarding the Rural Development (RDP) and Local Action Group (LAG). It was outlined that the RDP is a European Union (EU) programme that brings rural development in line with EU priorities. The programme identifies and agrees areas where EU support can give the most added value and it is part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The CAP for Wales enabled the funding of activities which support farmers, the countryside and rural communities. These activities encouraged the sustainable management of agriculture and the environment in four key areas:
Agriculture Forestry, environment and countryside Supply chain for agriculture and forestry Quality of life in rural areas
The Local Action Group (LAG) is an unincorporated association which: -
Seeks to build the capacity of local organisations and individuals to develop and implement projects; Draws up a transparent selection procedure, which avoid conflicts of interest, ensure that at least 50% of the votes in selection decisions are cast by partners which are not public authorities; Prioritises projects according to their contribution to meeting the objectives and targets in the Local Development Strategy (LDS); Prepares and publishes proposals or an ongoing project submission procedure & defining selection criteria; Receives and assesses applications for support; Selects projects, agreeing levels of grant support before approval. £445k grant pot, 80% intervention rate. Lead body will ensure compliance & eligibility;
Page 3 Minutes of the Gower AONB Partnership Steering Group (19.09.2016) Cont’d
Monitors the implementation of LDS, projects supported and carries out evaluation of activities linked to strategy.
It was added that the City and County of Swansea was the lead body. The LDS vision and objectives, plus the current membership of the LAG and the three sub- groups were also provided.
RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.
20 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
The Gower AONB Officer provided an update report regarding the Sustainable Development Fund. It was added that the AONB Team operated a small grant scheme, The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) using funding provided by Welsh Government. The aim of the fund was to support innovative, sustainable, environmental projects, which involve local communities in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
The SDF aimed, through partnership, to develop and test ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in countryside of great natural beauty and diversity. The scheme would seek to conserve and enhance the local characteristics of culture, wildlife, landscape, land use and community. Sustaining the social well-being and economic viability of communities were also important aims of this scheme.
Applications can be for small grants of less than £3,000 or larger grants of up to £25,000. Applications over £3,000 are assessed by the SDF Grants Panel, which is a subgroup of the AONB Partnership Steering Group.
For the current year, the budget for the fund was £55,000. There were currently 15 projects being funded, with a further 4 applications either anticipated or under assessment. Currently £3,131.52 was uncommitted for 2016/17, but it was likely that this would be fully committed by the end of October.
The Committed Funds figure includes a CCS Management Fee of £5,500 (10%).
Total Funds available £ 55,000.00
Committed Funds £ 48,118.48
Under Commitment £ 3,131.52
Pending Applications £ 3,000.00
It was explained that the budget for 2017/18 would not be confirmed until March/April 2017. However, there were 4 projects currently being funded for 2017/18, with 2 applications under assessment, and 3 more anticipated within the next 2 months. A budget of £48,600 was anticipated, with £25,670 currently committed, and
Page 4 Minutes of the Gower AONB Partnership Steering Group (19.09.2016) Cont’d
applications valued at £20,600 anticipated. It was likely that the fund would be fully committed ahead of 2017/18.
RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.
21 ANY OTHER BUSINESS.
The following were discussed: -
Toilet Provision and Cleanliness on Gower
Barbara Parry highlighted that visitor experiences to Gower were being damaged due to the poor toilet provision and the very poor state of Council toilets. She added that if the Council wished to attract more tourists to Gower, the facilities provided needed to improve.
The Group discussed the condition of specific toilet facilities on Gower. Councillor J P Curtice commented that as Older People’s Champion, she was aware of similar problems throughout Swansea.
RESOLVED that the matter be highlighted to the relevant Cabinet Member(s).
Broadband / Mobile Phone Reception on Gower
Concern was expressed regarding the poor coverage of broadband / mobile phone reception on Gower. It was added that some mobile phone apps were therefore not working because of the poor reception.
RESOLVED that the Gower AONB Team Leader updates the Group regarding the mobile mast at Horton.
The meeting ended at 8.05 pm
CHAIR
Page 5 Agenda Item 6
GOWER AONB PARTNERSHIP
GOWER AONB MANAGEMENT PLAN APPROVAL OF FINAL PLAN
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Gower AONB Management Plan (2016) has been produced by the AONB Team on behalf of the Gower AONB Partnership. Once adopted by the Council under the Local Development Plan (LDP), it will form Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) and will be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications within and affecting the AONB. A copy of the Management Plan is appended to this report.
1.2 The Gower AONB Partnership is the advisory body to the Council, convened by them, to facilitate the management of the Gower AONB. The Partnership works to support the activity of everyone – local landowners, farmer, businesses, visitors, community groups and individuals - in their conservation and enhancement of natural beauty. The Partnership includes the key stakeholders in the AONB representing a wide range of interests. Terms of Reference are incorporated into the Council’s Constitution, and the Partnership includes CCS Councillors, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) representatives plus 10 others elected at the Annual Forum.
1.3 The Steering Group of the Partnership is responsible for overseeing the management of the AONB, and is responsible for the development of policy and strategy for the AONB area, particularly through the AONB Management Plan. Specific responsibilities of the Steering Group include the preparation of the AONB Management Plan on behalf of the City and County of Swansea, as well as the coordination of its implementation.
1.4 The current adopted Management Plan was first published in 2006 and has been overdue for a review. This report provides an overview of the Management Plan review and consultation. Formal approval of the finalised Management Plan is now required from the Steering Group to take it to Planning Committee to approve its adoption as SPG.
2.0 Background
2.1 The first statutory Gower AONB Management Plan was adopted by the Council and published in 2006. The plan was the result of wide-ranging consultation, with involvement from stakeholders over more than two years in meetings, focus groups, site visits, presentations and consultations.
Page1 6 2.3 This first review of the management plan was initiated in 2010, but has been protracted for a number of reasons. Production of the final Gower AONB Management Plan (2016) has been preceded by review activities, including:
• Statutory notifications letters (to Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Welsh Government) of an intention to review the management plan • Stakeholder Workshops (in May 2010) to identify key issues for the Management Plan review • SEA scoping report and consultation (in autumn 2010) with Cadw, CCW and the Environment Agency (the latter two now combined in NRW); and more recently • Consultation with the AONB Partnership Steering Group and NRW (in summer 2013) on a draft State of the AONB report • Public consultation on the draft Management Plan and supporting documentation in 2014/15.
2.4 The final Management Plan retains much of the structure and format of the 2006 Plan and comprises the following chapters
Chapter Purpose 1: Introduction An overview of: the Gower AONB; AONB management and management planning; links with other plans and strategies 2: Resources Updates the characteristic of the special qualities of the Gower AONB - including their extent and condition - under four themes: • Natural • Cultural • Environmental • Recreation
3: Activities and An assessment of the activities and pressures Pressures acting on the special qualities of the AONB and how they may change in the future. 4: The Vision The overall 20-year vision for the AONB, expressing the desirable condition, with specific vision statements for 14 key themes. 5: The Strategy 5-year objectives and policies for each of the 14 key themes 6: Action Plan A 5-year action plan (2014-18) to achieve the objectives and implement policy.
7: Implementation Monitoring and review requirements for: Monitoring and • the implementation of the management plan Review • reporting on the condition of the AONB special qualities
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3.0 Consultation on Draft Management Plan
3.1 Formal consultation responses on the draft Management Plan were received from the following organisations: Natural Resources Wales The National Trust The Gower Society The Countryside Management System Consortium Swansea Bay Sustainable Travel and Transport Partnership (Baytrans) Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales South Wales Police Friends of Swansea Horses
Responses were also received from ten private individuals/businesses.
3.2 The attached Consultation Report details the responses received and the consequent amendments incorporated into the final Management Plan.
4.0 Resources and Legal Implications
4.1 There are no immediate financial implications arising from the adoption of the reviewed Management Plan. Implementation of the Action Plan in Chapter 6 will need to be accommodated within existing CCS budgets and staff resources, but also through working collaboratively with AONB partners and stakeholders to secure additional external resources.
5.2 The Gower AONB Management Plan (2016) will be a material planning consideration when determining planning applications in and affecting the AONB once adopted as SPG to the future adopted LDP. To be clear, the LDP is a critical aspect in the maintenance of the AONB’s special qualities – in that it is through the LDP policy that development is controlled. The AONB Management Plan does not override the LDP, but is expected to give a clear indication of how LDP policies should address development issues in the AONB.
Appendices:
Gower AONB Management Plan (2016) Consultation Report
CHRIS LINDLEY GOWER AONB TEAM LEADER 5 December 2016
Page3 8
Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plan October 2016
Page 9
FOREWORD
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are some of our finest landscapes in Britain. They are cherished by residents and visitors alike and allow millions of people from all walks of life to understand and connect with nature.
It is now 60 years since Gower became the first AONB in the UK and I am pleased to see that this Management Plan demonstrates how the AONB Partnership will continue to protect this unique landscape despite the significant challenges ahead. With a changing climate, the increasing demands of a growing population and in difficult economic times, the AONB Management Plan represents just the sort of community driven, collaborative approach needed to ensure our natural environment is maintained for generations to come.
I believe that the AONB designation should be a driver for the sustainable use and management of the natural resources in Gower and that this will be promoted by the framework now being set by contemporary Welsh legislation - particularly the Well Being of Future Generations Act and the Environment (Wales) Act.
This Management Plan makes the important connection between people and nature. Local communities have been central to the development of the Plan, and need to be at the heart of its delivery. The continued enthusiasm and commitment of the communities that love Gower and are concerned over its future ranging from volunteers on biodiversity and heritage projects to local businesses working to promote sustainable tourism - will be key to the successful implementation of the Plan.
Gower AONB is - and will continue to be – a landscape of change. The Management Plan is vital to ensure that these changes are for the better. I would like to thank all those who were involved in bringing this Plan together and I look forward to working with you in its implementation.
Cllr Paul Lloyd Chair, Gower AONB Partnership City and County of Swansea November 2016
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1 Contents
Page No.
Introduction 3
Chapter 1 – Introduction 4
Chapter 2 – Resources 12
Chapter 3 – Activities and Pressures 45
Chapter 4 – The Vision 64
Chapter 5 – The Strategy 68
Chapter 6 – The Action Plan 83
Chapter 7 – Implementation, Monitoring and Review 98
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2
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
1.0 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) are some of the most beautiful and cherished landscapes in Britain. Their distinctive character and natural beauty are so precious that it is in the nation's interest to safeguard them. AONBs are designated in recognition of this national importance and to ensure that their character and special qualities are protected for all to enjoy. The landscape and scenic beauty of AONBs are of equal importance with National Parks and are internationally recognised as protected areas [1] by the IUCN.
1.1 Chosen for its classic coastline and outstanding natural environment, Gower became the first AONB in the UK in 1956. Gower AONB covers an area of 188 square kilometres (73 square miles (See Map 1), with 59 kilometres (37 miles) of its coastline also designated as Heritage Coast. Except for the small, urbanised north-eastern corner, the entire Gower peninsula is within the AONB. The geology of Gower creates a wide variety of scenery in a relatively small area. It ranges from the south coast's superb carboniferous limestone scenery - between Worms Head and Oxwich Bay - to the salt marshes and dune systems in the north. Inland, the most prominent features are the large areas of common, dominated by sandstone heath ridges including the soaring sweep of Cefn Bryn. Secluded valleys have rich deciduous woodland and the traditional agricultural landscape is a patchwork of fields characterised by walls, stone-faced banks and hedgerows. Although not part of the reason for designation, the AONB also has a rich archaeological and built heritage including over 80 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, nearly 130 listed buildings, and two areas recognised as Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest.
1.2 The primary objective for the Gower AONB designation is for the conservation and enhancement of its natural beauty. The Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Act 2000 requires the City and County of Swansea (CCS) to:
“take all such actions as appears expedient to them to the accomplishment of the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area…”
1.3 In addition, all public bodies have a duty under section 85 of the CRoW Act and must have ‘regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area…’ when exercising their functions.
[1] Category V of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Protected Areas Categories System – see http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_quality/gpap_pacategories/
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3 Map 1
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4
1.4 Much of the coastline is owned and managed by public sector and voluntary bodies, particularly the National Trust (who own approximately 70%) – and also: • CCS • Natural Resources Wales (NRW 1); and • Wildlife Trust for South and West Wales.
1.5 CCS also has an important role as the local planning authority for the AONB - setting planning policy and exercising development control and enforcement under the Town and Country Planning Acts.
1.6 The majority of the AONB is in private ownership and management. The AONB designation needs to support the continued sympathetic management by local landowners, farmers and commoners that is essential to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the landscape.
1.7 The Gower AONB Partnership is the advisory body to the Council regarding the AONB and its management. The Partnership works to support the activity of everyone – local landowners, farmer, businesses, visitors, community groups and individuals - in their conservation and enhancement of natural beauty. The Partnership includes the key stakeholders in the AONB and represent a wide range of interests. Terms of Reference are incorporated into the Council’s Constitution, and the Partnership includes CCS Councillors, NRW representatives plus 10 others elected at the Annual Forum.
1.8 Heritage Coasts are stretches of outstanding, undeveloped coast in England and Wales that were identified through agreement with local authorities. The protection and management of the Gower Heritage Coast – being entirely within the Gower AONB - is considered as integral to the AONB and this Management Plan.
AONB Management Plans
1.9 The CRoW Act 2000 requires the Council to prepare a management plan for the Gower AONB. The requirement is to ‘prepare and publish a plan which formulates the policy for the management of the area of outstanding natural beauty and for the carrying out of the Council’s functions in relation to it’. The CRoW Act also requires local authorities to review AONB Management Plans at 5-year intervals.
1.10 NRW has published guidance for the preparation and review of plans of AONB management plans [2] . This plan review has followed that guidance.
1 As of 1 April 2013, the CCW, Environment Agency Wales and Forestry Commission Wales became Natural Resources Wales/Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru) [2] Countryside Council for Wales (2009). Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Management Plans in Wales – Guidance on the Review of Management Plans.
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5 1.11 In summary, the NRW guidance expects that the management plan will develop and expand on the vision for the AONB and the action needed to conserve and enhance the special qualities for which it has been designated. This will link the special qualities with the underlying social and economic issues, which impact on, or interact with them. The Plan is intended to promote an integrated approach to the planning and management of land at a strategic level. Although the Plan will contain the policies of the local authority, it will also involve stakeholders in developing the vision and explaining how they will help achieve the objectives.
1.12 The NRW guidance recommends a five-stage review process for AONB management plans: • Stage 1 – State of the AONB • Stage 2 – Strategy for the AONB • Stage 3 – Reporting • Stage 4 – Formal Consultation • Stage 5 – Monitoring
Gower AONB Management Plan
Management Plan History and Review
1.13 Glamorgan County Council prepared a ‘Strategy for Gower’ in 1973, which identified many features and issues of the time, but was largely a planning policy- orientated document.
1.14 Swansea City Council published a first ‘management plan’ for the AONB in 1990, which addressed the AONB management in a series of topics (e.g. agriculture; common land) and zones (e.g. Caswell/Mumbles Head; Oxwich and Penrice).
1.15 Following the CRoW Act requirement for statutory AONB management plans, CCS had the option to review the 1990 Plan, but elected to start again to ensure that contemporary guidance and statutory requirements were followed.
1.16 The first statutory Gower AONB Management Plan was adopted by the Council and published in 2006. The plan was the result of wide-ranging consultation, with involvement from stakeholders over more than two years in meetings, focus groups, site visits, presentations and consultations.
1.17 This first review of the management plan was initiated in 2010, but has been protracted for a number of reasons. The publication of the Gower AONB Management Plan (2016) has been preceded by review activities, including: • Statutory notifications letters (to Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Welsh Government) of an intention to review the management plan • Stakeholder Workshops (in May 2010) to identify key issues for the Management Plan review
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6 • SEA scoping report and consultation (in autumn 2010) with Cadw, CCW and the Environment Agency (the latter two now combined in NRW); and more recently • Consultation with the AONB Partnership Steering Group and NRW (in summer 2013) on a draft State of the AONB report • Public consultation on the draft Management Plan and supporting documentation in 2014/15.
Management Plan Structure
1.18 The management plan retains much of the structure and format of the 2006 Management Plan and includes the following chapters:
Chapter Purpose 1: Introduction An overview of: the Gower AONB; AONB management and management planning; links with other plans and strategies
2: Resources Updates the characteristic of the special qualities of the Gower AONB - including their extent and condition - under four themes: • Natural • Cultural • Environmental • Recreation
3: Activities and An assessment of the activities and pressures acting Pressures on the special qualities of the AONB and how they may change in the future.
4: The Vision The overall 20-year vision for the AONB, expressing the desirable condition, with specific vision statements for 14 key themes.
5: The Strategy 5-year objectives and policies for each of the 14 key themes
6: Action Plan A 5-year action plan (2014-18) to achieve the objectives and implement policy.
7: Im plementation, Monitoring and review requirements for: Monitoring and • the implementation of the management plan Review • reporting on the condition of the AONB special qualities
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7 AONB Management Plan relationship with other Plans
1.19 The relationship between the AONB Management Plan and other plans is important as it articulates the vision for the AONB based on the special qualities and how these will be protected through sustainable development policies. The AONB Management Plan provides the policy reference point for CCS - and other public bodies - to exercise their duties by having regard to conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the Gower AONB.
1.20. The main policy documents are:
• The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) - for the City and County of Swansea provides the adopted planning policy context for development in the area up to 2016. Specific planning policies – that reflect national planning policy and legislation - protect the special qualities of the AONB, and other policies give indirect support to their protection (e.g. biodiversity and built environment policies). http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=20475
• The Local Development Plan (LDP) - will provide a new development blueprint for the County for the period up to 2025, and will set out how the aspiration for sustainable growth will be delivered. Once adopted, the LDP will replace the UDP. The protection of the natural beauty of the AONB will however remain the primary policy consideration in the new plan. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=28061
• The One Swansea Plan 2013 - is the Single Integrated Plan for Swansea. The overall purpose of this new plan is to make the delivery of services simpler and to ensure that everyone is working towards the same agreed priorities. The Single Integrated Plan replaces the current community strategy and the plans for community safety; health, social care and wellbeing; and children and young people. This plan includes an ambition to protect, enhance and promote Swansea’s unique and diverse natural environment. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/oneswansea
• Time to Change: The Swansea Environment Strategy – prepared and published by the Swansea Environmental Forum (SEF), this strategy provides a long-term vision and strategic priorities for the natural and built environment in Swansea. http://swanseaenvironmentalforum.net/environment-strategy/
• Local sector-specific plans and strategies that interact with or deliver AONB objectives; key examples include:
o The Swansea Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP): http://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/10113/Swansea-Local- Biodiversity-Action-Plan
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8 o Countryside Access Plan 2007-2017: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/countrysideaccessplan
o Swansea Bay Tourism Destination Management Plan: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/dmp
o Western Wales River Basin Management Plan: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20140328084622/http: //www.environment- agency.gov.uk/research/planning/125095.aspx
1.21 To be clear, the NRW Guidance recognises that the LDP is a critical aspect in the maintenance of the AONB’s special qualities – in that it is through the LDP that development is controlled. The AONB Management Plan does not override the LDP, but is expected to give a clear indication of how LDP policies should address development issues in the AONB.
1.22 The Gower AONB Management Plan (2016) is expected to become Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to both the adopted UDP and emerging LDP. Evidence and other outputs from the 2006 Plan (such as the Gower AONB Design Guide 2011) have also been adopted as SPG.
1.23 The Gower AONB Management Plan (2016) is expected to become Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) to the emerging LDP. Evidence and other outputs from the 2006 Plan (such as the Gower AONB Design Guide 2011 2) have also been adopted as SPG.
1.24 A number of national planning policies/guidance have recently been updated, including Planning Policy Wales (Edition 7, July 2014), Technical Advice Note (TAN) 5: Nature Conservation and Planning, TAN 12: Design and TAN 16: Sport, Recreation and Open Space.
1.25 In this Plan period, Welsh Government are implementing a significant legislative programme that will have implications for AONB management and governance. The Environment (Wales) Act, Planning (Wales) Act and the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act all have a bearing on AONB Management Plan. There is also an ongoing Review of Designated Landscapes in Wales that has culminated in the Marsden Report and ongoing collaborative work under the Future Landscapes Wales programme 3.
2 City and County of Swansea (2011). Gower AONB Design Guide. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/spg
3 http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/consmanagement/review-designated-landscapes- wales/?lang=en
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CHAPTER 2 RESOURCES
2.1 Chapter 2 describes and assesses the current understanding of the special qualities of the AONB, their condition and the forces for change acting on them.
2.2 The special qualities are grouped into four themes:
Theme Special qualities
Natural Biodiversity
Geology
Landscape
Seascape
Cultural Archaeology
Historic Landscapes
Historic Parks and Gardens
Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas
Environmental Air Quality
Water Quality
Soil Quality
Tranquillity
Recreation Public Rights of Way
Access Land
Beaches
2.3 The following sections express - for each of the identified special qualities - the following: • State of the special quality – its nature, character and specifically its extent, condition and why it is important • Drivers for change – such as climate change, policy drivers, resource exploitation and recreational pressures
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10 • The trend evident in the condition of the characteristics that have occurred since the preparation of the last Plan • The changes or trends that are taking place (or could take place in the future) that could lead to a reduction or enhancement of the characteristic • Potential indicators that could be used to monitor change over the coming five years
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11 Theme: Natural Special Quality: Biodiversity
2.4 The Gower AONB has a highly valued and wide range of habitats and species of priority for conservation in Wales as well as locally important species. The significance of the AONB is recognised through the large number of sites with international, national and local protection.
State of Special Quality
2.5 The AONB includes a range of types and extent of designations reflecting the importance of the area for biodiversity. These include: • Five sites with European and international designations (Special Areas of Conservation (SAC); Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites); Special Protection Areas (SPA) • National designations (Sites of Special Scientific Interest (20 with biological features) and 3 National Nature Reserves) • Other designations and sites (Local Nature Reserves; Wildlife Trust and Woodland Trust Reserves; Sites of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINCs) and Ancient Woodland and Planted Ancient Woodland Sites (PAWS).
2.6 The key statutory designated sites (SACs, SPAs and SSSI) are shown on Map 2.
2.7 The Swansea Local Biodiversity Action Plan 4 (LBAP, 2005) sets out a framework for the protection, management, enhancement and promotion of Swansea’s natural environment and biodiversity. There are more than 20 priority habitats identified in the LBAP that occur within the AONB and many more priority species.
Drivers for Change
2.8 There are 46 candidate Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) in the City and County of Swansea, covering 3197ha. SINCs are non- statutory sites which are of importance for nature conservation as they support priority habitats and species for conservation in Wales. Swansea’s SINCs have been resurveyed and reverified but there will be ongoing verification of SINCs against new criteria set out within the Wales Biodiversity Partnership’s ‘Wildlife Sites Guidance Wales’ which was published in 2008; when complete this will form an important element of the environmental baseline data for the AONB.
2.9 Section 42 of the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act 2006 places a biodiversity duty on the all public bodies (including CCS) to have “regard to the purpose of conserving biodiversity when exercising its functions.” Similarly, the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act 2000 places a duty on CCS to have regard to the conservation of biodiversity and
4 Swansea Biodiversity Partnership, 2005. Promoting Swansea's Natural Environment: A Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
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12 maintain lists of species and habitats for which conservation steps should be taken or promoted.
2.10 The Wales Biodiversity Partnership has developed Priority Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Action Area Maps to enable Local BAP partners and groups prioritise action on those habitats/species in greatest need of management. Priority Action Areas relevant to the Gower AONB include: • South Wales Valleys Marshy Grasslands • Gower Coast Limestone Grasslands and Heathlands • Gower Commons • Gower Arable • Coastal Soft Cliff • Welsh Sand Dunes
2.11 The Swansea LBAP is currently under review to encompass changes such as changes in the NERC Section 42 list, new datasets and work on habitat connectivity.
Current and Future Trends
2.12 European and International Designations:
Four of the five SACs within the AONB have core management plans that identify the vision, conservation objectives and performance indicators for each European habitat and species feature. The current view of feature condition (favourable or unfavourable, based on monitoring reports where available), management requirements and action plan are also stated. The remaining SAC - Carmarthen Bay and Estuaries SAC (including the Burry Inlet Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site) - is covered by NRW advice under Regulation 35 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 to relevant authorities (the various statutory authorities and agencies responsible for the European Marine Sites) as to the conservation objectives for the site, and advice on what activities may cause damage or disturbance to the special features. The Relevant Authorities Group has developed a Management Scheme for the site 5.
5 http://english.cbeems.org/management/management-scheme/
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13 Map 2
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14 2.13 National Designations:
Of the current 26 SSSIs within the AONB, 20 have biological and geological/geomorphological features of interest (the remaining sites are geological/geomorphological SSSIs). There is no summary assessment of the condition of these features across the AONB, but key summary issues affecting SACs/SSSI include: • Over- and/or under-grazing; • scrub encroachment; • sustainable management of common land; and • management of invasive/non-native species
2.14 Other Designations:
There is no current information on current condition or trends affecting other designated sites. As described above, the CCS Nature Conservation Team has reviewed the current suite of SINCs in the County.
2.15 Biodiversity - Habitats and Species:
Compared to many other parts of Wales, Gower is relatively free of Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) at present, but is vulnerable to future invasions (either deliberate, accidental or natural) due to its wide range of habitats. There are several INNS recorded on Gower; some examples of known species and areas at risk include: • Cotoneaster and Holm Oak on the South Gower Cliffs • Himalayan Balsam and Japanese Knotweed from Three Cliffs Bay up to Parkmill and Ilston • Crassula helmsii in Broadpool
2.16 Other species include Montbretia , Hottentot Fig, and Sedum album . As well as threats to habitats, INNS are also potential risks to many of the other special qualities of the AONB, e.g. historic sites and features.
2.17 The recent rapid spread of tree diseases - such as Ash Die-back – has raised the profile of biosecurity issues affecting land management in the UK. Ash is the dominant tree species in many of the Gower native woodlands; significant losses of mature ash trees would have impacts for the biodiversity and landscape character of the AONB.
2.18 Longer term effects of predicted climate change on the key habitats and species of the AONB have not been assessed.
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15 Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.19 • Favourable conservation status of European designated sites within the AONB • Condition of biological SSSI features within the AONB. • Condition reporting for the SINC sites within the AONB • LBAP progress monitoring through the Biodiversity Action Reporting System • Extent/Distribution of INNS
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16 Theme: Natural Special Quality: Geology
State of the Special Quality
2.20 The AONB includes a wide range of sites important for their geology and geomorphology, reflecting the variety of geology within the area. Key features can be grouped into: • Coastal cliff sections in Carboniferous Limestone (with associated fossils) • Quaternary deposits and landforms e.g. solifluction terraces overlying small remnants of ‘raised beaches’, cave sediments with associated fossils • Coastal geomorphology (e.g. cliffs, wave-cut platforms, beaches and extensive dune systems • Karst scenery (e.g., dry valleys sinkholes and resurgences, cave systems) • Old Red sandstone ridges and associated rock exposures
Drivers for Change
2.21 The UDP includes planning policies that protect and enhance SSSIs and Regionally Important Geological Sites (RIGS). No RIGS sites were formally adopted by the UDP, although these are now being considered through the emerging LDP.
2.22 The British Geological Survey (BGS) has published information on RIGS in Swansea. The report identifies RIGS assessment criteria and a set of nine sites proposed for designation as RIGS, eight of which are within the AONB. Further work is required to identify, and evaluate a full suite of RIGS across Swansea.
2.23 The Stop Waste in Our Landscape Project was a partnership project highlighting to landowners how the insensitive depositing and use of waste materials – such as building rubble or unwanted soil – can cause irreversible damage to the AONB geological, landscape and heritage features, wildlife and the environment. Relatively small incidents are difficult to detect, monitor and regulate, but may have significant cumulative effects.
Current and Future Trends
2.24 Of the current 26 SSSIs within the AONB, 15 have some geological or geomorphological features of interest; some of these are of international importance to geological science. There is no published summary assessment of the condition of geological SSSI features across the AONB. Recent consideration by NRW on this matter indicates that these features are generally in favourable condition. However, there are several issues that are raising concern, including: • Human disturbance to cave features and the need for comprehensive cataloguing and curation of cave finds
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17 • Human disturbance and natural erosion damaging geological exposures • Tree and other vegetative growth obscuring geological exposures that are valuable for study and research
2.25 In the longer-term, sea level rise as a consequence of climate change is also likely to affect some of the coastal geological features of the AONB, as well as some of the cave systems and their underground drainage.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.26 • Condition assessments of Geological SSSI features • The BGS RIGS report presents good information the identified RIGs sites that could form a suitable baseline for condition monitoring.
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18 Theme: Natural Special Quality: Landscape
2.27 The quality and variety of Gower’s landscape, contained in such a small area, is the essence and original reason for its designation as an AONB - the highest UK designation in terms of landscape and scenic beauty (being of equivalent status to National Parks in this regard). The coastline is also designated as Heritage Coast – recognised as one of the most outstanding stretches of undeveloped coastline in England and Wales.
Status of the Special Quality
2.28 Gower is one of the 48 regional-scale landscape character areas identified by NRW 6. The Gower landscape has its own distinctive sense of place; its landscape characteristics, qualities and influences on the landscape have been recorded and evaluated into a nationally consistent data set.
2.29 LANDMAP is the method used to assess the importance and value of a landscape in Wales. The LANDMAP study for Swansea identified nine landscape character types within the Gower AONB. LANDMAP has now informed the preparation and publication of a Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) for the AONB 7. This systematic assessment identifies and describes 40 Landscape Character Areas within the AONB. Each character area description includes: • Special qualities and key characteristics; • Management guidelines; and • Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Drivers for Change
2.30 Implementation of the 2006 Plan delivered specific UDP policies that protect the natural beauty of the AONB from inappropriate development; the AONB Design Guide has been developed and published as Supplementary Planning Guidance.
2.31 The Review of Designated Landscapes in Wales culminated in a series of recommendations in the Marsden Report and there is ongoing collaborative work under the Future Landscapes Wales programme.
Current and Future Trends
2.32 The LCA now provides a suitable objective baseline against which to assess future landscape change in each of the 40 character areas.
6 Land Use Consultants and Sheffield University for Countryside Council for Wales. (2007). Landscape Character Map for Wales.. See: http://www.ccw.gov.uk/idoc.ashx?docid=dc3096a3- 4149-409d-8a45-50ffc1ad72b4&version=-1.
7 Gower Landscape Partnership (2013). Gower Landscape Character Assessment. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=50163
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19
2.33 Current evidence to assess the scale of landscape change is limited. Updates to LANDMAP data are expected to be completed for Gower within this plan period and may assist in identify change and trends. Although the AONB remains largely unaffected by significant or large scale developments, landscapes and key features remain vulnerable to small-scale and gradual changes that may lead to cumulative effects over time; these effects are difficult to quantify and address.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.34 A series of fixed-point photomonitoring locations was undertaken in 2007/8 to start monitoring the landscape of the AONB; this photography has yet to be repeated. A detailed series of oblique aerial photographs have also been taken of the AONB and are available for non-commercial use 8.
2.35 The principle of fixed point photomonitoring repeated every few years is a valuable one. However, the methodology and results of the 2007/8 monitoring may be difficult to replicate and do not provide a full and objective programme to provide evidence of landscape change across the AONB. A revised photomonitoring programme is proposed, building on the LCA and progress made on photomonitoring methodology in other AONBs.
8 http://www.pixaerial.com/
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20 Theme: Natural Special Quality: Seascape
2.35 With 70km of coastline, seascape is an important aspect of the AONB character. Most of the coastline is also designated as Heritage Coast. Many of the classic views of Gower – such as Rhossili, Worm’s Head, and Three Cliffs Bay - feature the coastline and the sea beyond. Less well known are the views of the coast from the sea. All these components make significant contributions to the special qualities of the AONB.
Status of The Special Quality
2.36 A Welsh Seascapes assessment (NRW, 2009 9) focussed on the visual or scenic aspect of the coastline, but also provided context with reference to the geological, land use, historic and cultural aspects. The study also assessed the sensitivity of each seascape to selected offshore development types.
2.37 The seascape survey provided a valuable baseline description of the seascape around the AONB coast. Seascape region summaries from the report that are relevant to Gower are included in Annex 1 and include: • 43 – Loughor Estuary • 44 – Whiteford Point to Worms Head – Rhossili Bay • 45 – Worms Head to Mumbles – South Gower
Drivers for Change
2.38 Marine Planning has been significantly restructured since the introduction of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The Act includes a new system of marine planning that will cover all key marine activities. The marine planning system will guide and direct decision makers and sea users towards a more sustainable use of the sea; ensuring a strong link between policy and individual developments and activities.
2.39 The UK Marine Policy Statement sets out the policy framework for UK seas and provides the context for developing Marine Plans. Marine plans will provide more detailed policy and guidance at a country or regional level. Responsibilities for marine planning arising from the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 lie with Welsh Government. The marine plans will set out policies for sustainable development in the Welsh marine environment.
2.40 The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 also include a new marine licensing system that consolidates and modernises the existing consenting regimes.
2.41 Proposals for the Atlantic Array windfarm have been withdrawn by the developer. However, other renewable energy developments coming forward in the Bristol Channel have the potential to affect the seascape and key views from the AONB.
9 Countryside Council for Wales (2009). Welsh seascapes and their sensitivity to offshore developments. http://www.ccgc.gov.uk/landscape--wildlife/protecting-our- landscape/seascapes/seascape-assessment-of-wales.aspx
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21
2.42 Around the coast, the Lavernock Point to St Ann’s Head Shoreline Management Plan provides a large-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal erosion and flooding. The SMP also presents policies to help manage these risks to people and to the developed, historic and natural environment in a sustainable manner. The current plan (SMP2) identifies policy approaches for coastal management sections around the AONB.
Current and Future Trends
2.43 Current evidence to assess the scale of seascape change is limited, although the AONB coast and seascape is expected to be sensitive to future change from: • Offshore developments • The effects of climate change and sea level rise • Implementation of active coastal flood/erosion management policies/ projects • Recreational uses
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
• An appropriate monitoring methodology for seascape needs to be considered and developed. This will need to be well linked to any fixed point photomonitoring/landscape character assessment monitoring.
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22 Theme: Cultural Special Quality: Archaeology
Status of Special Quality
2.44 There are 83 Scheduled Monuments in the AONB, and many other archaeological sites and records, representing most periods – from Upper Palaeolithic caves (and some of the earliest human remains in the UK) through to eighteenth century parklands and industrial heritage.
2.45 Summary information on the condition of Scheduled Ancient Monuments is available from Cadw, as the Field Monument Wardens visit SAMs regularly and produce a report on their condition.
Drivers for Change
2.46 National policies (in Planning Policy Wales, Chapter Six: Conserving the Historic Environment, Eighth Edition January 2016) and current UDP policies protect Scheduled Ancient Monuments (SAMs) and sites on the Historic Environment Record (HER) from harmful development, including unscheduled sites. The HER is a charitable Trust within Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT). The emerging LDP will be expected to include similar policies. Scheduled Monument consent is also required for other activities that may affect them, but these sites are still potentially at risk from e.g. erosion from recreational uses and other third party activities.
2.47 The current statutory framework protecting the historic environment and guidance documents for its implementation include: • The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 • Welsh Office Circular 60/96 Planning and the Environment • Welsh Office Circular 61/96 Planning and the Historic Environment: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas • Guide to Good Practice on Using the Register of landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales in the Planning and Development Process (Second Edition, Cadw 2007).
2.48 Cadw published a set of Conservation Principles in 2011, intended as a guide to the protection and management of the historic environment. Cadw strongly encourages local authorities to use these in their decision making. The six principles are: • Historic assets will be managed to sustain their values. • Understanding the significance of historic assets is vital. • The historic environment is a shared resource. • Everyone will be able to participate in sustaining the historic environment. • Decisions about change must be reasonable, transparent and consistent. • Documenting and learning from decisions is essential.
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23 2.49 Whether a feature is Scheduled or not, sympathetic management by owners and land managers of archaeological features is key to their protection.
2.50 Factors likely to impact (both adversely and beneficially) on the archaeological resource include: • Inappropriate development and utilities works • Unsympathetic land management activities • Recreational activities • Scrub and vegetation encroachment • Lack of public awareness • Climate change e.g. sea level rise, site erosion or damage to peats and dune systems, much of which contain archaeological remains and fragile palaeoenvironmental evidence • agricultural & forestry works (e.g. turf growing/cutting for sale, ploughing, drainage, planting & felling); • creation of caravan & camping sites with services and hardstanding • public access arrangements such as footpaths and open country (information boards, erosion – including cycling/vehicular off-roading, vandalism and theft) can change the numbers visiting archaeologically sensitive sites.
2.52 The Historic Environment Strategy (Second edition, 2013) sets out the Welsh Government’s vision for the historic environment. Welsh Government has consulted on changes to heritage protection, with the Historic Environment (Wales) Bill, now making its passage through the National Assembly. Implementation of the Bill will impact on the management of heritage assets in Wales.
2.53 Initiatives in other Welsh protected landscapes include the development of ‘local lists’ and may be a way forward in protecting Gower’s heritage. Local Lists recognise the value and significance of locally important heritage sites to the landscape and local communities. Producing a Local List gives a voice to local communities, helping to formally identify and recognise the heritage assets that are important to the local area and its people. Local Lists celebrate local heritage and ensure that it is appreciated and valued.
Current and Future Trends
2.54 Cadw holds information on trends affecting the condition of SAMs, but there is very little information available relating to trends affecting non-scheduled archaeological sites/resource across the AONB.
2.55 A report for Cadw has recently explored the direct impacts of climate change on the historic environment of Wales. Across Wales, Historic Landscapes are predicted to be most at risk from climate change. Next stages of work are to address the need for an improved and locally accurate evidence base of which historic assets could be at risk and where.
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24 Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.56 • Condition of SAMs - Cadw Field Monument Wardens make regular visits to SAMs • Condition of HER sites - some HER sites have been visited with Trust- led community groups, and projects such as Glastir, Arfordir, and participation in the Gower Landscapes Project
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25 Theme: Cultural Special Quality: Historic Landscapes
2.57 The best examples of different types of historic landscapes in Wales have been included on the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales. Gower is one of the most archaeologically rich areas in Wales.
Status of Special Quality
2.58 The two best surviving and most complete archaeologically rich areas of the peninsula (West Gower and Cefn Bryn) have been identified on the Register of Landscapes of Historic Interest in Wales. These two areas cover approximately 30% of the AONB.
2.59 The Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust (GGAT) completed an historic landscape character assessment of the entire AONB in 2006. This has been supplemented by a characterisation of North East Gower to cover an area peripheral to the AONB around Crofty and Penclawdd. These studies have informed the development of the LCA (see Landscape, above) and the proposed management guidelines.
Drivers for Change
2.60 The Historic Environment Strategy and the Historic Environment (Wales) Act (see Archaeology, above) may bring significant changes to how areas on the Register of Historic Landscapes are protected and managed.
2.61 Current UDP policies do not permit development that would harm the character of the Historic Landscapes; the emerging LDP is expected to adopt similar policies.
Current and Future Trends
2.62 Current weaknesses, threats and opportunities – and management guidelines - are outlined in the LCA (see Landscape, above). Management guidelines emphasise the need for continuing the safeguarding and management of common land and maintaining traditional boundary features such as hedges and banks.
2.63 The report for the Historic Environment Group 10 on the direct impacts of climate change suggests that historic landscapes will be the historic asset most affected by climate change in Wales.
10 Powell, J., Murphy, K., Ings, M., and Chambers, F.M. (2012) A strategic approach for assessing and addressing the potential impact of climate change on the historic environment of Wales, Report to Historic Environment Group – Climate Change Subgroup. CCRI: Gloucester http://www.ccri.ac.uk/cadwrepor/
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26 Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.64 • Condition of Historic Landscapes
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27 Theme: Cultural Special Quality: Historic Parks and Gardens
2.65 The Cadw Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales includes those Parks and Gardens considered to be of national importance.
Status of Special Quality
2.66 The AONB includes five sites on the Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Interest in Wales: • Clyne Castle • Fairy Hill • Kilvrough Manor • Penrice Castle • Stouthall
Drivers for Change
2.67 Entry on the Register aims to avoid damage to significant features of the sites, such as historic layout, structure, built features and planted elements. It is not the intention to preserve everything as it is; in fact, in many cases development is both benign and beneficial. However, it is important not to let insensitive development harm the historic and visual character of historic parks and gardens.
2.68 Sympathetic management by owners and land managers of these parks and gardens is key to their maintenance.
2.69 The Historic Environment Strategy (Second edition, 2013) sets out the Welsh Government’s vision for the historic environment. The Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 will impact on the management of heritage assets in Wales.
2.70 Current UDP policies do not permit development that would harm the character of the Historic Parks and Gardens of affect their ‘essential settings’. The emerging LDP is expected to adopt similar policies.
Current and Future Trends
2.71 Information on the current condition of the five sites on the Register is not available.
Monitoring and Indicators
2.72 • Condition of Historic Parks and Gardens - Cadw
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28 Theme: Cultural Special Quality: Historic Buildings and Conservation Areas
2.73 Listed Buildings are structures officially recognised by Cadw as being of special architectural, historical or cultural significance. Buildings are either Grade I, II* or II – dependent on their importance- with Grade I being the most important. Landmark buildings and structures – castles, churches, large houses and traditional long houses – add features to the Gower landscape.
2.74 Conservation Areas are designated by local planning authorities for their special architectural and historic interest. Conservation areas define village envelopes and include the buildings and spaces within them that contribute to the village character.
Status of Special Quality
2.75 There are 131 listed buildings (4 Grade I; 22 Grade II*; and 105 Grade II) and 17 Conservation Areas in the AONB.
Drivers for Change
2.76 The Historic Environment (Wales) Act (see Archaeology, above) may bring significant changes to how Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas are protected and managed.
2.77 Current UDP policies do not permit development that would harm the character of historic buildings and Conservation Areas. Where proposals for improving historic assets (including listed buildings), consultation should be made with Cadw; the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales and GGAT.
2.78 CCS is preparing a strategy to tackle the issue of 'at risk' listed buildings across the City and County; this has identified that eight listed buildings within Gower are considered to be at risk. CCS is considering the use of statutory powers alongside potential grant funding to start tackling what has been a long running problem.
2.79 Many of the Conservation Areas on Gower were declared in the 1970s and 1980s; none of them have current Character Appraisals or Management Plans. The AONB Design Guide does provide guidance for built development in the AONB. The Guide includes individual ‘Settlement Statements’ that highlight key characteristics for each settlement, with a description of prevalent materials and detailing.
2.80 The CCS is reviewing their Conservation Areas, but with 31 across the authority area, Conservation Areas on Gower are unlikely to be reviewed for a number of years. In the meantime development control decisions must be made on a case by case basis using the ‘preserve or enhance’ test. This draws on the expertise of the Design and Conservation Team.
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29 2.81 The Historic Environment Strategy (2012) sets out the Welsh Government’s vision for the historic environment. Implementation of the Bill Historic Environment (Wales) Act will impact on the management of heritage assets in Wales.
Current and Future Trends
2.82 A ‘Buildings at Risk’ survey of Listed Buildings was undertaken during 2007- 08. Of 515 Listed Buildings surveyed in the wider Swansea area, 7.7% were assessed as ‘at risk’. An informal listed building at risk review in 2012 indicates that this trend is worsening with approximately 8.9% of listed buildings now being considered to be at risk.
2.83 The main reason for vulnerability of listed buildings in Gower is because many are structures with no income generation potential and this leads to a general neglect and lack of maintenance.
2.84 Anecdotal evidence and recent Conservation Area consent casework history suggest a slow deteriorating trend in their condition. However - without objective and contemporary Character Appraisals or Management Plans - there is no objective evidence to identify trends in the condition of Conservation Areas across the AONB.
2.85 The recent report for the Historic Environment Group 11 on the direct impacts of climate change highlights the following potential future problems, including: • insect infestation and fungal growth in warmer, more humid conditions; • structural problems, for example, caused by soils shrinkage in hotter, drier summers; • dilapidation to stonework caused by more frequent freezing/thawing; • damage as a result of extreme weather; and • the thermal movement of materials such as slate, lead, timber and paintwork
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.86 • Condition of Listed Buildings • Condition of Conservation Areas
11 Powell, J., Murphy, K., Ings, M., and Chambers, F.M. (2012) A strategic approach for assessing and addressing the potential impact of climate change on the historic environment of Wales, Report to Historic Environment Group – Climate Change Subgroup. CCRI: Gloucester http://www.ccri.ac.uk/cadwrepor/
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30 Theme: Environmental Special Quality: Air Quality
2.87 Air Quality is important to the sensory perception of the AONB, the physical well-being of inhabitants and visitors, vegetation, flora and fauna.
Status of the Special Quality
2.88 CCS reviews, monitors and reports on air quality across Swansea to comply with the Environment Act 1995 and other Local Air Quality Management (LAQM) policy and technical guidance.
2.89 Air Quality monitoring tends to be undertaken in areas where known pollution sources are likely cause exceedance levels of prescribed threshold levels for key air pollutants. Gower AONB is not seriously affected by sources of pollution such as built-up areas, industrial sites and major roads with high traffic volumes.
2.90 A limited amount of empirical data is therefore available on air quality. Surveys of roadside Nitrogen Dioxide levels in 1985-6 and 1996-7 found levels to be well within maximum acceptable limits.
Drivers for Change, Current and Future Trends
2.91 The latest LAQM report indicates that there are no local air quality management issues affecting the AONB. Air quality in the AONB is likely to remain good for the foreseeable future.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.92 CCS will continue to review, monitor and report on air quality across the County in compliance with Welsh LAQM regulation, strategy and policy: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/2831/Air-quality
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31 Theme: Environmental Special Quality: Water Quality
2.93 Water quality is important for bathing beaches and nature conservation. Good water quality supports quiet recreation and a variety of terrestrial and marine wildlife. Sandy beaches and clean water are important features of the recreation resource and for the tourism industry.
Status of Special Quality
2.94 NRW is the competent authority with regard to water quality and the Water Framework Directive issues in Wales. The AONB is within the Western Wales River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) area. The RBMP identifies all significant inland and coastal waterbodies in the AONB, and sets environmental quality objectives for each.
2.95 The RBMP identifies the larger inland and coastal waterbodies in the AONB, and sets environmental quality objectives for each. The RBMP classifies waterbodies into these categories: • Rivers • Lakes • Transitional (Estuarine) • Coastal; and • Groundwater
2.96 The following table indicates the current status of each waterbody within/adjacent to the AONB.
Waterbody No. of type in Current Status Good Ecological Classification AONB Status Objective to be achieved by:
Rivers 14 2 Poor 7 by 2015 6 Moderate 7 by 2027 6 Good Lakes 0 -- -- Transitional 1 Moderate 2027 Coastal 3 2 Moderate 1 by 2015 1 Good 2 by 2027 Groundwater 2 1 Good 1 by 2015 1 Moderate 1 by 2027
2.97 There is also a range of smaller pools, ponds and watercourses not featured in the RBMP – such as Broad Pool and Oxwich Marsh - that are important components of the AONB landscape, but are outside the scope of the RBMP. There is no summary information on the extent or condition of these smaller features.
2.98 Bathing Waters are subject to a discrete and specific water quality monitoring regime. All seven of the Gower AONB beaches tested have met the Higher Bathing Water Quality Standard every year for the period 2010-2012.
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32 Current and Future Trends
2.99 Bathing water is subject to influences outside of the AONB – particularly discharges from the nearby conurbations (Swansea and Llanelli). Over recent years, huge improvements have been made to the quality, frequency and regulation of point source discharges into bathing waters. Further improvements may be needed in order to meet the requirements of the revised Bathing Water Directive. This is likely to involve actions and initiatives tackling more diffuse/cumulative pollution sources e.g. from agricultural diffuse pollution and septic tanks. Work is ongoing to understand and address these issues.
2.100 There is little information available around water resource management issues on Gower. Limestone bedrock on Gower retains water and is recognised as Principal Aquifer. Groundwater is an important resource and supports surface water flows and wetland ecosystems. Issues around resident/visitor water demand/supply and climate change may have future impacts on water resources in the AONB. Plans for further development outside the sewered areas in Gower is often accompanied by pressure to allow the proliferation of septic tank and package plant sewage treatment systems. In limestone areas this carries a significant risk of pollution to groundwater.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.101 • Bathing Water - quality of designated Bathing Waters • WFD compliance (including shellfish waters compliance) • Good Ecological Status of water bodies, through the RBMP. • Bathing Water Quality annual monitoring.
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33 Theme: Environmental Special Quality: Soil Quality
2.102 Soil exerts a strong influence on our whole ecosystem, being the foundation for many of the ecosystem services and functions recognised; soil is a fragile resource that needs to be understood and protected. Soil quality affects land use and landscape and the Gower AONB contains a significant amount of better quality agricultural land.
Status of Special Quality
2.103 In the 2006 Plan, information and data on soil quality in the AONB was limited to the Agricultural Land Classification (ALC, 1977), which classified agricultural land into Grades 1-5. All of these grades are represented within the AONB. The 2006 plan identified generic factors affecting soil condition.
2.104 Further information on soils is now available from the National Soil Resources Institute (NSRI) - responsible for holding and disseminating soils information in England and Wales. Developed by Cranfield University and sponsored by Defra, the NSRI Soilscapes 12 viewer provides a summary description of the soils at specified locations across England and Wales. The map displays the soilscapes and soil descriptions for the specified location, as well as a number of the more interesting soil characteristics, including summary soil texture, drainage status, soil fertility, and commonly associated habitat and land cover.
Drivers for Change
2.105 Agricultural and other land management practices have the biggest influence on soil quality in the AONB. These practices are driven in part by livestock and produce market prices, agricultural policy and subsidies.
2.106 The Water Framework Directive and actions in the River Basin Management Plan (see Water Quality, above) are focussing on tackling diffuse pollution of minor watercourses arising from agricultural practices – primarily contamination associated with increased nitrate levels because of agricultural run off.
2.107 The UDP has policies to protect the ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land (ALC grades 1-3a); a similar policy is expected to be applied in the emerging LDP.
Current and Future Trends
2.108 The generic land management and water protection risks and issues for the soil types found on Gower include: • Nutrient enrichment and siltation of streams from soil erosion • Groundwater contamination with nitrate • Soil erosion along footpaths or from burnt areas
12 https://www.landis.org.uk/soilscapes/
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34 • Gripping or overgrazing can lead to accelerated run-off and erosion • Overland flow (of organic slurry, fertiliser, pathogens or fine sediment in suspension/solution) from compacted or poached fields
2.109 However, there is no direct evidence of any substantial issues or trends in soil quality within the AONB.
2.110 The Stop Waste in Our Landscape Project (see 2.46, Archaeology) is also relevant to soil quality in the AONB.
2.111 The 2006 Plan references a potential issue with an increase in the lifting of pasture for turf – which may lead to soil erosion and loss of soil structure over time. However, there is no information to assess trends or the potential effects of this on soil quality in the AONB.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.112 No monitoring requirements identified.
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35 Theme: Environmental Special Quality: Tranquillity
2.113 Gower is one of the few remaining areas in South Wales where the countryside is relatively undisturbed by noise and visual intrusion. There is also an absence of ‘sky glow’ caused by light pollution.
Status of Special Quality
2.114 A 1997 survey undertaken by ASH Consulting Group for Countryside Council for Wales 13 (CCW) identified the AONB as being an area “usually free of any substantial daytime disturbance”. The survey also identified the absence of sky glow caused by light pollution as an indicator of tranquillity.
2.115 In 2009, CCW commissioned Land Use Consultants 14 (LUC) to reassess tranquillity in Wales by updating the 1997 research and allowing a comparison to be made of the changes in tranquillity within the 12-year period. Data for the City and County of Swansea was incomplete in the 1997 survey, but – even taking this into account – the 2009 survey indicated a slight reduction in extent of tranquil areas within the local authority area. The results for Swansea are shown in the table below.
Zone 1997 2009 Area % Area % (ha) (ha) Tranquil 126.29 29.98 124.52 29.56
Zone B - Countryside subject to 187.54 44.52 221.70 52.64 significant traffic intrusion and other disturbance Zone C - Countryside somewhat 70.17 16.66 74.97 17.80 disturbed by light traffic All disturbed (Zone B + C) 257.70 61.18 296.68 70.44
No data 37.20 8.83 n/a n/a
Drivers for Change
2.116 There has been good progress with the actions and objectives from 2006 Plan – the AONB Lighting Scheme Guidance 15 and the Gower AONB Design
13 ASH Consulting Group (1997) Tranquil Areas Wales – A Report to the Countryside Council for Wales. 14 Land Use Consultants (2009). Tranquil Areas Wales Map, 2009. Prepared by Land Use Consultants for Countryside Council for Wales. 15 City and County of Swansea (2010). Lighting Scheme Guidance for Gower AONB. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=41674
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36 Guide 16 have both been published as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) in response to the issue.
2.117 Development pressures continue to affect the AONB, including developments/lighting schemes from outside of the AONB affecting the dark skies of the AONB e.g. from urban Swansea and Llanelli. There are also concerns that minor lighting projects on existing individual properties in the AONB have the potential for cumulative impacts on dark sky.
2.118 Higher levels of noise around e.g. main roads and sporadic bursts of noise from military aircraft and watercraft such as jet skis and speedboats continue to disturb the tranquillity of the AONB.
2.119 There is a growing International Dark Sky Movement that increases the profile and importance of dark skies e.g. Brecon Beacons National Park has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve.
2.120 The Noise Action Plan for Wales 17 recognises that ‘…a range of tranquil environments is likely to be beneficial, from the brief escape to an urban oasis…..to a more demanding challenge in the great outdoors further afield.’ The Action Plan recommends that NRW ‘consider whether there is a case for further rounds of rural tranquil areas mapping and the method to be used in any such mapping’.
Current and Future Trends
2.121 The all-Wales surveys of tranquillity do not indicate any real change in the extent of tranquil areas of the AONB; however, with no local specific survey undertaken for tranquillity or dark sky, it is not possible to reach any firm conclusion on an underlying trend.
2.122 With time, development pressures are likely to cause a slow deterioration in tranquillity and Dark Night Skies – both from within AONB and around its periphery.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.123 Tranquillity – A local survey (detailed methodology to be determined) should allow for specific nature of Gower but also consistency with national/other surveys. The survey should be repeatable every 5 years and should have good integration with any future proposed pan-Wales mapping.
16 City and County of Swansea (2011) Gower AONB Design Guide. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=42737
17 Welsh Government (2013). A Noise Action Plan for Wales 2013-2018. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/epq/noiseandnuisance/environmentalnoise/noisem onitoringmapping/noise-action-plan/?lang=en
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37 2.124 Dark sky assessments – The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) have guidance and can advise on the requirements – typically using light meter readings, photography; Bortle-scale qualitative assessments 18 .
18 http://www.darksky.org/night-sky-conservation/269
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38 Theme: Recreation Special Quality: Public Rights of Way
2.125 There is extensive public access to the countryside and coast in the AONB and the path network is an important resource for visitors and the tourism industry. Much of the path network is bounded lanes and historical routes and some are important landscape features.
Status of the Special Quality
2.126 The CCS Countryside Access team undertake annual monitoring of the condition of the Rights of Way network across the county. The monitoring involves random sampling of approximately 10% of the network to determine which paths are ‘easy to use’. Analysis of the results over a number of years can indicate an improving/declining trend in the condition of the network.
2.127 Monitoring results for the path network within the AONB are summarised in the table below:
Year Network Propo rtion in Based on a survey length within usable and sample length (and the AONB accessible proportion of AONB condition network) of 2008 402.0 km 63.2 % 31.8 km (7.90%) 2009 402.0 km 51.6 % 42.8 km (10.65%) 2010 402.0 km 62.8 % 35.7 km (8.88%) 2011 412.1 km 65.8 % 31.1 km (7.56%) 2012 414.9 km 80.2 % 48.7 km (11.73%) 2013 414.9 km 69.9 % 45.0 km (10.84%)
2.128 The Wales Coast Path officially opened in May 2012, and has become a significant resource and recognised tourism asset. There has been capital funding to develop the Coast Path and the rights of way network in the coastal zone. Recognition of the Wales Coast Path within the AONB as a key tourism asset should assist in maintaining its profile for investment and management.
2.129 The 35-mile Gower Way crosses both the AONB and the Mawr area of the old Lordship of Gower. There are also a small number of permissive access routes provided by landowners; these can form important additions to the Rights of Way network.
Drivers for Change
2.130 The Swansea Local Access Forum 19 advises the local authority on the improvement of public access to the countryside for the purposes of open-air recreation and the enjoyment of the area. Improvements to countryside access – for all users - are delivered through the City and County of Swansea Countryside Access Plan (2007-17). Key actions in the plan include: • Wales Coast Path Development Programme
19 http://www.swansea.gov.uk/article/6194/Local-access-forum
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39 • Increasing the promoted routes for walkers and other users • Increasing connectivity of the path network • The Community Path Improvement Programme • Improving the path network so that 75% of it is ‘easy to use’ • Publication of a new definitive map
2.131 The overall target of the Countryside Access Plan is to ensure that 75% of the path network - across the entire county - is easy to use. The AONB Management Plan has a specifically elevated target of ensuring that 95% of the path network in the AONB is of ‘easy to use’ standard.
2.132 Continued resources for maintaining the path network are required, because even recently improved routes will deteriorate over time – e.g. from the level and nature of use, erosion, vegetation growth and obstructions.
2.133 There may be further resources available for making improvements to the Coast Path, but there will be continued restricted resources available for maintaining path network in the AONB as open and easily accessible.
2.134 As a wider issue, recreational use of the AONB may already be changing. There are more visitors and more people participating in a wider range of activities in the AONB – e.g. walking, wildlife watching, cycling, surfing, windsurfing and hand-gliding. Without some level of mutual understanding between different users, some activities may lead to localised conflicts e.g. fishing and kayaking.
2.135 The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 20 made it a legal requirement for local authorities to map and plan for suitable routes for active travel, and to build and improve their infrastructure for walking and cycling every year. It creates new duties for highways authorities to consider the needs of walkers and cyclists and make better provision for them. It also requires both the Welsh Government and local authorities to promote walking and cycling as a mode of transport.
2.136 The provisions in the Act requiring the production and publication of maps and to make year on year improvements to infrastructure will only apply to particular areas where there is potential for active travel to be a well-used mode of transport. Welsh Government is consulting on where these proposed areas may be; as well as the main urban areas of Swansea, some of the larger settlements in the AONB e.g. Southgate and Murton have also been proposed.
2.137 The Welsh Government has also announced a review of existing legislation and guidance relating to access and outdoor recreation 21 . The aim is to
20 http://wales.gov.uk/topics/transport/integrated/walkingcycling/activetravelact/?lang=en
21 http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/consmanagement/countrysidecoastalaccess/revie w-of-access-and-outdoor-recreation-legislation/?lang=en
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40 secure better access to the outdoors for recreation, modernise and simplify the current regulatory framework, and provide clarity and certainty over where people can go and what they can do there.
Current and Future Trends
2.138 The overall target of the Countryside Access Plan is to ensure that 75% of the path network - across the entire county - is easy to use. The AONB Management Plan has a specifically elevated target of ensuring that 95% of the path network in the AONB is of ‘easy to use’ standard.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.139 • Current Rights of Way annual monitoring and reporting programme.
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41 Theme: Recreation Special Quality: Access Land
2.140 A significant area of the AONB is land with some public right or permission to access on foot, including; common land; village greens, National Trust land and land in public ownership.
Status of Special Quality
2.141 Rights for public access on foot apply to: • Common Land • Land mapped as open country under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CRoW Act 2000) and • Dedicated access land – e.g. NRW public forest estate
2.142 Exclusions and restrictions can be used on access land when management operations e.g. tree felling require public access to be restricted.
2.143 Other land has higher rights of public access and the AONB also includes areas where the landowner has agreed to permit public access; this includes significant areas owned by the National Trust.
2.144 The overall total of these types of land is 3145ha - 16.7% of the AONB.
Drivers for Change
2.145 Natural Resources Wales has completed a review of the maps of access land published under the CRoW Act 2000.
2.146 A large proportion of access land is owned or managed by the National Trust, or is in public ownership and is actively managed for recreation and nature conservation.
2.147 There is also a large proportion of access land that is common land; the accessibility and value of this land as a recreation resource is dependent on appropriate commons management – particularly controlled burning and appropriate grazing levels.
Current and Future Trends
2.148 The high extent and distribution of land available for public access is expected to be maintained. There may be localised or temporary issues where it is difficult to integrate public access and land management requirements issues, e.g. on some commons, or in public forests where tree felling is required.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.149 • Extent and accessibility of access land.
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42 Theme: Recreation Special Quality: Beaches
2.150 Sandy beaches are important for recreation, health and well-being and are a high profile landscape feature of the AONB that promotes the area for tourism.
Status of Special Quality
2.151 Gower’s sandy beaches are one of the main attractions for visitors to the area, and therefore a significant natural resource supporting the tourism industry. There are 16 main beaches, with a number of smaller coves and inlets. Beaches across Gower consistently attain Blue Flag or Green Coast awards standards. The National Trust beach at Rhossili has a strong national and international profile with visitors.
Drivers for Change
2.152 The Destination Management Plan for Swansea Bay 22 recognises the importance of Gower beaches to the area’s tourism offer. There will be a continued need for coordinated beach management to sustain their high quality.
2.153 The Shoreline Management Plan provides a large-scale assessment of the risks associated with coastal erosion and flooding around the coast of South Wales. It also presents policies to help manage these risks to people and to the developed, historic and natural environment in a sustainable manner. The current plan (SMP2) identifies policy approaches for coastal management sections around the AONB.
Current and Future Trends
2.154 Bathing Water Quality on Gower beaches has been of a consistently high standard in the recent past (see Water Quality) and is expected to be maintained for the foreseeable future.
2.155 Water quality and the extent/standard of beach facilities is such that Gower beaches are regularly Blue Flag award beaches; four Gower beaches (Caswell Bay, Langland Bay, Bracelet Bay and Port Eynon) regularly receive blue flag awards.
2.156 Visitor numbers to the wider Swansea Bay area have increased (4.2 million visitors in 2011 compared to 3.9 million in 2006), with almost one in five visitors coming because of the coast/beaches. Visitor numbers, tourism revenue and the number of tourism-related jobs are all expected to increase; the emerging Swansea Bay Destination Management Plan will be seeking to manage the sustainable development of these trends. However, increasing
22 http://www.swansea.gov.uk/dmp
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43 visitor numbers to Gower beaches can lead to environmental problems (such as erosion and habitat damage), beach and facility degradation.
2.157 Concerns around the loss of sand from beaches along the south coast – possibly linked to dredging in the Bristol Channel - were expressed in the 2006 plan. Studies 23 supporting the Shoreline Management Plan review suggest that beach levels are naturally variable on this stretch of coast with little evidence supporting any overall trend.
Potential Monitoring and Indicators
2.158 • Continued monitoring of bathing water quality to EU standards • Annual application and awards of Blue Flag/Green Coast Awards • Beach profile surveillance and monitoring through the SMP2 • Monitoring/Surveillance of beach litter (including sea borne litter)
23 Halcrow for the Swansea and Carmarthen Bay Engineering Group (2010). Baseline Process Understanding Report.
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44 CHAPTER 3 ACTIVITIES AND PRESSURES
3.1 This Chapter describes a broader picture of activities and pressures the AONB, and how these may change over the next 20 years. Activities and pressures reflect the social and economic aspects of the AONB. The principle of sustainable development recognises the inter-relationship and inter- dependency between these two aspects and the environment of the AONB.
3.2 Activities and pressures are described below under the following headings: • Primary industries o Agriculture o Timber & forestry o Fishing o Minerals • Tourism • Transport • Utilities and communications • Climate Change • Development and off-shore activities • Housing • Community facilities and local services
The Council maintains socio-economic profiles for all of Swansea’s wards (see http://www.swansea.gov.uk/wardprofiles ). There is no specific total population figure available for the AONB. The total population of the two wards fully within the AONB (Gower and Pennard) is 6300, with many more people living in the other wards peripheral to the AONB. Gower ward is one of the sparsely populated wards in Swansea and - compared to the rest of Swansea – wards in the AONB tend to have an older population with lower birth rates.
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45 Primary Industries
Agriculture
3.3 Agriculture is the main primary industry in the AONB. Good quality soils (a significant amount of enclosed farmland is Grade 1 or 2) and a relatively (for Wales) mild climate make Gower one of the more agriculturally versatile and productive parts of Wales.
3.4 Farming in recent years has typically been focussed on rearing livestock (mainly cattle and sheep), with some arable and horticultural crops. After a period of decline in numbers, it is thought that only three dairy farms remain in the AONB. Significant tracts of common land, including the North Gower salt marshes are grazed by cattle and sheep and - to a lesser extent - by ponies.
3.5 Farms tend to be small- or medium- sized, and many have diversified into tourism and/or producing goods for sale through farm shops. Most of the caravan sites on Gower are on farms, some of which are still working farms. There are also a small number of enterprises growing vegetables and fruit.
3.6 The Welsh Agricultural Survey 24 provides a range of statistical estimates for the different types of land usage, livestock numbers and agricultural labour. Data specifically for Gower AONB is not available, but for the areas that include the AONB, some key statistics/trends include: • Estimates of active farm holdings remained at around 200 (e.g. 207 in 2002; 198 in 2006; 217 in 2012); • Estimates of total number of farmers remained at around 360, but more are now part time (161 full time/195 part time in 2002, compared to 146 full time/220 part time in 2012); • Estimates of holdings with crops or horticulture reduced from 94 in 2002 to 71 in 2012; • More specifically, estimates of holdings growing cereals reduced from 61 in 2002 to 42 in 2012
3.7.1 Like elsewhere, farming patterns on Gower are influenced by market prices for agricultural products and services. Agri-environment schemes have supported farmers with bio-diversity, woodland and wider environmental management on their farms. In 2010, there were 53 Tir Gofal agreements, covering 3198 ha of land. The current Glastir 25 scheme (funded through the Wales Rural Development Plan) initially had a comparatively low take-up on
24 Statistics for Wales 2013. Agricultural Small Area Statistics for Wales, 2002-2012. Statistical Bulletin SB102/2013. http://wales.gov.uk/statistics-and-research/agricultural-small-area- statistics/?lang=en . ‘Small areas’ 199 and 200 include Swansea communities of: Penrice; Port Eynon; Rhossili; Reynoldston; Llangennith, Llanmadoc and Cheriton; Llanrhidian Lower and Llanrhidian Higher; Ilston; and Three Crosses.
25 http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/farming/schemes/glastir/?la ng=en
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46 Gower (394ha – Entry Level, 131ha – Advanced in 2013), but the latest agreement figures (March 2015) are:
• Glastir Entry – 1697ha • Glastir Commons – 1781ha • Glastir Advanced – 826ha
3.8 Other initiatives such as the Gower Commons Initiative (and its successor Life in Common) helped to encourage more grazing on common land – enhancing its bio-diversity and its appearance by the removal of scrub and bracken and the creation of firebreaks.
3.9 Agriculture can have mixed impacts on the landscape and biodiversity. For example, arable cultivation can leave field margins for wildlife, but the use of pesticides can have the negative impact. Cultivated agricultural land of south- east Gower coast is home to a highly diverse arable plant community – one of the biggest declining and most threatened groups of plants in Wales. Gower has retained a strong landscape pattern of small- to medium- sized fields bounded by hedges and stone walls; however, the use of plastic sheeting and polytunnels to cover fruit and vegetables - although not prevalent in the AONB - can have an adverse effect on the landscape.
3.10 One activity that has raised concerns is the lifting of pasture for turf as a type of farm diversification. This can initially leave a barren landscape and a loss of habitat for wildlife, although this can be moderated if areas are lifted and reseeded in rotation. Where this is associated with the removal of topsoil the long term impact on soil quality may become more serious. However, any changes to uncultivated or semi-cultivated land which may cause soil erosion or loss of soil structure over time now require an Environmental Impact Assessment 26 .
3.11 It is difficult to predict the future for farming in Gower. Single farm payments have replaced previous production subsidies and support less intensive production. One of the requirements of the single farm payment scheme is for farmers to demonstrate cross-compliance on a range on statutory management requirements for the environment, public, plant, and animal health and welfare. Farmers are also expected to maintain cross-compliance to keep land in good agricultural and environmental condition. The single farm payment scheme is expected to continue support for farmers to conserve and enhance landscape features and bio-diversity, by retaining field margins and hedgerows for example, and to manage land well and keep soils in good condition.
3.12 Other, more locally-driven rural development initiatives include Rural Swansea Action - supporting the diversification of the rural economy, enhancing prosperity at a local level and developing Rural Swansea's identity
26 Environmental Impact Assessment (Agriculture) (Wales) Regulations 2007. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/consmanagement/conservationbiodiversity/eiahom e/eia-whatrtheregs/?lang=en
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47 for producing high quality Food, Arts, Crafts and Natural Products able to supply local markets.
3.13 Maintaining grazing on the extensive areas of Common Land is essential to their conservation. Some commons have suffered from under-grazing because of traditional practices have altered. Pressures from traffic travelling across the commons have combined to increase the risk of car/livestock accidents. Some 40 mph speed limits on roads across certain commons in Gower have been introduced to reduce this risk.
3.14 Trends toward fewer full-time farmers – with an aging demographic - as fewer young people enter farming. Opportunities for farm diversification may buffer Gower farms from some of these effects and assist in continuing the positive land management practices which protect Gower’s special qualities.
3.15 Affordable housing and other incentives will be needed to help young farmers. The growth of horse riding and stables, and the use of farmland for grazing horses near the larger villages on the edge of the AONB are expected to continue giving more fields a paddock-like appearance. In turn, this is likely to keep land values higher than their normal agricultural value. Sites being used in this way tend to coincide with the location of some of the best quality land in the AONB.
3.16 Sustaining the viability of farming on Gower is a major consideration in safeguarding the special qualities of the AONB. The previous management plan was important in informing the UDP, the Tourism Strategy, Swansea 2020 the Economic Development Strategy and the Swansea Rural Development Strategy 2007-2013. This revised management plan needs to provide a similar service to current and emerging policy – particularly the Local Development Plan and the current round of Rural Development planning and investment.
Timber, Forestry, and Woodland Management
3.17 The timber industry in Gower is small, with a handful of growers, one static sawmill at Cilibion, several mobile sawmills and several woodland management contractors. The Penrice Estate has some large areas of woodland, and NRW manages two productive woodland sites; Parkwood is a mixed wood plantation with some broadleaves dating back 150 years, whereas Millwood is predominantly coniferous/mixed woodland. Many of Gower’s woodlands are privately owned or owned by conservation bodies: National Trust, the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales and Coed Cadw (the Woodland Trust in Wales).
3.18 In recent years, grant schemes have encouraged owners to actively manage woodlands through appropriate felling, thinning and replanting. Emphasis on management of NRW woodlands has been increasingly toward multiple use and community benefit, with informal recreation being encouraged.
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48 3.19 Gower’s woodlands form predominantly small blocks dispersed throughout the landscape between fields and commons. Gower is particularly noted for its ash and alder woodlands, which are important landscape and biodiversity features; several of these woodland blocks are of European biodiversity importance (Special Areas of Conservation).
3.20 Woodlands make a significant contribution to the appearance and character of the landscape. Management techniques that adopt a continuous-cover approach and rely on small-scale felling, replanting and regeneration can help to maintain healthy and attractive woodland.
3.21 With an emphasis and commitment toward managing woodlands for sustainable and community use, the future for Gower’s woodlands looks generally stable. Further stands of Gower woodlands would benefit from appropriate active management to improve their condition and support forestry enterprises. Replacement of conifers with broadleaf species in some areas would be desirable.
3.22 Ash Die-Back ( Chalara fraxinea ) disease presents an uncertain future risk to ash woodland on Gower. The first cases have now been confirmed on Gower, and AONB management needs to keep in touch with the ongoing situation in Wales and the rest of the UK and respond appropriately.
3.23 The Welsh Government ‘Woodlands for Wales’ 27 strategy has identified four strategic themes: • Responding to climate change; • Woodlands for people; • A competitive and integrated forest sector; and • Environmental quality.
Fishing
3.24 The Gower fishing communities are famed for, and rely on, the industries related to their high quality shellfish. Lobster and crab are landed at Oxwich Bay, with cockle fishing along the north coast in the Burry Inlet and Loughor estuary that is still carried out by hand. NRW is working closely with the cockle industry to create a sustainable fishery which can provide a regular income to licence holders. Small seafood processing plants are situated on Gower and these local employers are under pressure to diversify if they are to have a long-term future.
3.25 Overall, fishing employs relatively few people in the area. Limited commercial fishing around the coast of Gower is by a small fleet based near the Tawe Barrage in Swansea. There are also several lobster boats based at Oxwich. Mussel gathering takes place off Whiteford and in Swansea Bay, and commercial fishermen from outside take crabs and lobster. Angling is carried
27 http://www.forestry.gov.uk/wwstrategy
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49 out by individuals from the shore or by kayak and from private and charter boats, many of which are based near the Tawe Barrage.
Minerals
3.26 Limestone was historically quarried on a small-scale on Gower, providing building materials and raw material for the manufacture of lime. One of the larger quarries was at Pwlldu Bay, which exported rock to north Devon by sea. Barlands Quarry at Kittle was the last working quarry in the AONB, and this ceased operation several years ago. Around Crofty and Penclawdd - on the north-eastern edge of the AONB - coal and other minerals were mined until the 1930’s, but limited traces of the associated works are now visible apart from mineshafts which occasionally appear on Llanrhidian marsh.
3.27 Minerals Planning Policy Wales (2000) requires Swansea Council to make provision for mineral resources, and a Regional Technical Statement (2008) identifies the contribution which is expected. Reserves of aggregates within the Local Authority area are very limited, and limestone deposits within the AONB form a significant part of these reserves.
3.28 There is current commercial Interest in the possibility of extracting Coalbed Methane (CBM) gas from in the Coal Measures using a process referred to as ‘fracking’. CBM is a clean burn gas, and carbon dioxide emissions are lower than for coal and oil productions. A UK Onshore Petroleum Exploration and Development License (PEDL) was granted in May 2008 that covers 10,000 hectares of the South Wales Coalfield, including parts of the County. The UK government are currently consulting on a further licensing round for PEDL. Underground Coal Gasification (the conversion of solid coal into gas through underground combustion) is also being considered as an approach to accessing energy reserves from Coal Measures under the Loughor Estuary. Developments and commercial extraction using these technologies have the potential to effect the special qualities of the AONB. Potential effects may include: • landscape/visual effects from surface infrastructure/facilities • impacts on groundwater from contamination by chemical additives/processes during extraction
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50 Tourism and Recreation
3.29 Tourism and recreation have become increasingly important sectors of the local economy of the AONB. The wider Swansea Bay area welcomes more than four million visitors every year, most of whom would have visited the AONB. In 2011, visitors spent around £333m, supporting about 5,600 jobs. A 2012 visitor survey found that the factors which most influenced visitor’s to visit the area were the coast (44%), scenery/landscape (44%), beaches (35%), The most popular activity undertaken by visitors was low level walking (2-8 miles) (45%), which has been the most popular activity undertaken by visitors every year since 2005 (and 52% of visitors in 2012).
3.30 Total bedstock figures for Gower are estimated at 21,500, with the majority (87%) accounted for by camping and caravan parks. A proportion of this bedstock will be properties/caravans taken up by local people for their own use and not therefore available to visitors from out of the area. There is a significant number (c.250) of self-catering properties. Bed and Breakfasts have been declining in number and there are very few hotels in the rural area.
3.31 A wide range of recreational activities take place on Gower, many of which are associated with the special qualities, and especially associated with the sea. Water based recreation activities include surfing, diving, fishing, boating and canoeing. Land based activities include walking, cycling, horse riding, climbing, caving, golf, archery, and less active ones such as bird watching, archaeology, and visiting historic sites. In a 2001 visitor survey 28 , natural beauty and tranquillity were identified as the main reasons for visits. Interpretation off and on site can add to visitors’ enjoyment, understanding and appreciation.
3.32 Tourism and recreation activities have environmental impacts on the natural beauty and special qualities of the AONB. For example, static caravan sites, traffic congestion at peak times, and erosion of footpaths. Indeed in the 2001 visitor survey, visitor pressure was cited as the greatest threat to Gower, followed by sand erosion, and air pollution (e.g. from vehicle exhaust fumes). Other impacts include litter, especially on the beaches.
3.33 Recent tourism trends have been summarised 29 as: • Trips by GB resident to Wales fell slightly from 2006-10 but recovered in 2011 to nearly 9.7m trips. • Like the rest of the UK, Wales has benefited from the staycation effect. Since the economic downturn in 2008 the number of holidays taken in Wales has grown strongly with an extra 1 million trips taken in 2011. However business and VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) trips fell sharply in this period. • The largest growth has been in mid length holidays (4-7 nights) which have grown by nearly 40% from 2008 to 2011. Holidays of this length
28 Gower Visitor Survey 2001 prepared for the City and County of Swansea by Market Research Wales and published in December 2001 29 The Tourism Company (2013). Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for Rural Swansea Including Gower AONB. Draft report for Swansea Rural Development Partnership.
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51 are often taken in non-serviced accommodation and are particularly relevant to Gower. • There has also been growth, albeit smaller, in short stays, which still account for the largest number of trips in Wales. They have the advantage of being significantly less seasonally peaked than longer holidays. • Data on activities undertaken in Wales show the importance of sightseeing, relaxing, walking, visiting beaches, visiting castles and swimming, which are all activities for which Gower has a comparative advantage. • Specific outdoor activities have been growing in popularity. The market of people undertaking these activities as part of a general holiday experience is much larger than those motivated by them specifically as the main reason to travel. • Watching wildlife, visiting beaches and walking by the coast are areas in which Wales has a relatively strong market share compared to the rest of the UK. • Market segments with particular opportunities for Wales include: Pre- family Explorers; Budget Families; Active Family Explorers; Older Cultural Explorer Couples and Scenic Explorer Couples. Gower is currently seeing a balance of families and couples in its visitor profile, with significant numbers of older ‘single’ groups. • Natural capital is seen as Wales’s particular comparative strength, embracing scenery and landscapes in addition to beaches. Gower has an international profile in this context.
3.34 Whilst the growth in the tourist industry will benefit the local economy, this must be carefully balanced against the potential negative impact on the environment and its special qualities. An approach based on the principles of sustainable tourism would address this. Sustainable tourism attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income, employment, and the conservation of local ecosystems; it is ‘responsible tourism’, which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive. The aim of sustainable tourism is to ensure that development brings a positive experience for the local people, tourism companies and the tourists themselves. The principle of promoting sustainable tourism - particularly around walking and cycling - should be more actively encouraged and has been embraced by the Swansea Rural Development Plan. The Transport section (below) describes the links with the promotion of public transport for walking. Public transport has the particular advantage of reducing the impact of traffic pollution, congestion, shortage of parking spaces but more positively, makes linear (particularly) coastal walks easier. Public transport can deliver visitors staying in Swansea (where the majority of accommodation is) benefits of easy access to Gower without their cars. Cycling is more difficult to promote as there are few ‘safe’ roads in Gower and even fewer alternatives other than the incomplete north Gower cycle route.
3.35 Like many rural areas, Gower suffers from some nuisance and illegal activities. These tend to be confined to localised sites and encompass common problems such as fly-tipping, wild-camping, barbecue parties, and
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52 opportunistic car parking. Off-roading in 4x4 vehicles and motor bikes has been problem on Cefn Bryn but was reduced by the installation of roadside bunding. There have also been issues with mountain bikers using the coastal path and doing damage to some iron-age earthwork sites such as The Bulwark on Llanmadoc Hill. Sea borne debris and litter on the beaches is a regular problem and organisations such as the National Trust Wales organise regular beach cleaning events.
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53 Transport
3.36 The Gower road network is all single carriageway and consists of one A class road, four B roads and a number of unclassified roads. Many of the roads are narrow and bounded by hedges or stone walls that contribute to the character of the AONB. Council policy is not to widen or carrying out improvements to Gower roads, unless necessary for road safety. A Highways Works Good Practice Guide 30 supports management of highways assets on Gower that conserves and enhances the AONB.
3.37 Travel by car is the typical mode of transport for residents and visitors. Some routes to the more popular beaches become congested at peak times. Narrow road sections – particularly around Parkmill and Kilvrough – can lead to severe delays when buses interact with cars/caravans, motor homes, freight vehicles and coaches. Traffic counter figures suggest a slower increase in volumes in recent times than the national average. Several of the car parks serving the more popular coastal destinations are Council owned, but others are private enterprises. Car parks for the beaches nearest to Swansea (such as Bracelet Bay, Langland Bay and Caswell Bay) tend to get full at peak periods.
3.38 Public bus services reach most parts of Gower from central Swansea. The main routes in south and north Gower have frequent services, though the smaller villages in north-west and south Gower have limited schedules. The continuing reductions in public funding for buses represent a future threat to the network and a positive plan to protect, grow and further improve the service would be valuable. The Gower Sunday Explorer – funded through the RDP – has provided a dedicated service during the summer months for several years, but there is no long-term plan for the continuance of this service. Bus stop infrastructure on Gower is often sub-standard, visually intrusive and impacts on the visitor environment.
3.39 The network serves local people’s needs as well as visitors. It has been successfully promoted for walkers through a series of ‘Walking by Bus’ leaflets produced by CCS and the National Trust as well as through pocket time tables and leaflets and the BayTrans public transport partnership website.
3.40 The car is likely to continue to be the main means of transport in Gower. Traffic growth will to some extent be limited by the capacity of the road network, and the fact that Gower being a peninsula does not have any through routes. At the same time limited car park capacity at the popular destinations, rising fuel costs and wider policy objectives aimed at reducing carbon emissions are all likely to be influencing factors. In the 1990s the Gower Sustainable Transport Project (formerly the Gower Transport Initiative) examined ways of encouraging the use of alternative means of transport to the car for recreational trips. It proposed several pilot schemes including a circular bus service geared to walkers and cyclists, traffic calming on routes
30 CCS 2011 Good Practice Guide for Highways Works within the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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54 across common land, and the promotion of a lightly trafficked route on road for cyclists on North Gower. The bus service is now part of the Gower Explorer bus network and the cycle route has been completed (see paragraph 3.46 below). It would be a valuable exercise to review sustainable transport issues and provision during the next plan period.
3.41 A range of issues around car parking in the AONB have been raised by stakeholders and visitors, including visual appearance and upkeep, pricing, location and capacity at peak times.
3.42 In 2007 a new partnership was established to promote public transport in Swansea’s rural areas including Gower. This followed the establishment of the Gower Explorer bus network in 2004 and a subsequent consultant's report which recommended that partnership be established to promote public transport. The Swansea Bay Travel and Tourism Partnership (branded as BayTrans) includes local authorities, public transport operators, NRW, the Gower Society and the Ramblers. Through a combination of leaflets and a website, BayTrans is encouraging greater of public transport for recreation activities such as walking. For example, there has been a significant increase in people using the Gower Explorer buses for this purpose, with patronage up more than 35% in the first three years.
3.43 Gower roads are generally not well suited to cycling, as they are hilly and narrow in many places. Although mountain biking is generally a popular activity, much of the AONB is not used as the off road routes are not continuous. An on-road route following lightly trafficked roads in North Gower has been established. It is linked to the Celtic Trail (Route 4 of the national cycle network) at Dunvant and Gowerton, with plans to eventually follow an off-road route between Llanmorlais and Gowerton, part of which has already been constructed.
3.44 There is an extensive public rights of way network of more than 400km, which consists mainly of footpaths and bridleways. Traditionally these were used for travel between villages on foot or horseback. Now they are mainly used for recreational purposes, for walking, cycling, and horse riding. A number of the routes are bounded, or are sunken lanes, with their own character. This network is an important resource, providing potential traffic-free routes between settlements.
3.45 The Wales Coast Path opened in 2012, and the Gower section is one of its highlights. The route between Mumbles and Crofty is 38 miles long. Implementation of the development programme around Gower included improvements to the rights of way network connecting to the Wales Coast Path. Better linkage between Gower’s rights of way network, the Wales Coast Path, bus routes and bus stops would be helpful to reinforce the development of sustainable tourism based on walking.
3.46 There are no railway routes in the AONB. The nearest railway stations are Gowerton, northeast of the AONB, and the main station at Swansea. There are good links to bus services.
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3.47 Swansea airport on Fairwood Common lies on the eastern side of the AONB. There have been no scheduled flights since 2004 and the airport is now used by private aircraft and the Wales Air Ambulance.
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56 Utilities and Communications
3.48 Utility company assets and equipment (e.g. sewage treatment works, pumping stations, electricity substations and transmission lines) are generally small and not visually intrusive. Companies have a duty 31 to consider the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty of the AONB when carrying out their functions. In 2010, Western Power Distribution (WPD, the local electricity distribution company) entered into the Ofgem scheme for undergrounding of selected power lines with a voltage of 10,000 and under. This is part of WPD’s corporate planning. A panel consisting of representatives of the protected landscapes in South Wales (Gower and Wye Valley AONBs and the Brecon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks) has been set up to assess bids for funding for appropriate schemes. Sections of power line at Rhossili and Cefn Bryn have been undergrounded, and a number of other schemes are under consideration.
3.49 There is a limited public sewer and wastewater treatment capacity on Gower; this could limit development in some areas and development that does occur could be associated with an increased risk of pollution where sewage disposal arrangements are unsatisfactory.
3.50 The growth in mobile phones and the provision of digital radio communications (TETRA) for the police resulted in the construction of a number of masts in the AONB. There is a joint accord between the protected landscapes in England and Wales and the Mobile Phone Operators Association 32 . The accord recognises the operators’ obligations to protect the special qualities of AONBs and National Parks, and at the same time, the Association recognises the obligations on the operators to provide a consistent a service as possible in all parts of the countryside including protected areas.
3.51 The number of mobile ‘not- spots’ on Gower is a cause of concern e.g. to public transport users in the event of delays or cancellations to bus services - when it becomes difficult to phone for information or help. The Mobile Infrastructure Project (MIP) 33 will provide mobile coverage in current reception not-spots; it is a UK wide infrastructure project led by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), for the provision of mobile mast infrastructure. All four of the public Mobile Network Operators (EE, Vodafone, 02 and Three) are supporting the project and each Operator is expected to install their equipment on each MIP mast. MIP has a finite period of the end of March 2016, by which time sites must be acquired and all mast infrastructure deployed. Swansea (including Gower) is identified in Phase 4 of the project. In view of the national significance of this project and the tight timescales, local authorities are being encouraged to make decisions on
31 S.85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 32 http://www.mobilemastinfo.com/joint-accord/
33 http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/policy/dear-cpo-letters/mobine-infrastructure-project- letter/?lang=en
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57 applications (irrespective of the decision) relating to the MIP infrastructure as quickly as possible.
3.51 The provision of broadband in rural areas, such as the AONB, is becoming increasingly important for supporting local businesses as well providing internet access for other users. All BT telephone exchanges in the AONB have been enabled to provide broadband. However, connection speed in some parts of the AONB is currently too slow for business use. Some community broadband schemes e.g. the Gower Broadband Project 34 have been successful in making infrastructure investment viable and bringing super-fast broadband to many parts of the AONB.
3.52 The Welsh Government has now announced the rollout of the ‘Superfast Cymru’ scheme 35 , where BT will provide improved infrastructure and service to areas not considered economically viable.
34 http://www.gowerbroadband.com/
35 http://www.superfast-cymru.com/home
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58 Climate Change
3.53 Climate change is the now widely accepted principle-that the world’s climate is being affected by increasing emissions of greenhouse gases from human activity. Even if ongoing efforts to mitigate these emissions are successful, the earth is already committed to significant climatic change.
3.54 The Climate Change Strategy for Wales 36 sets out: • the current scientific evidence about climate change, • the impacts expected in Wales • the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, • and the need to prepare for the impacts of climate change
3.55 In January 2012, the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA) was published, including the CCRA for Wales 37 . This presented an assessment of both the potential challenges and opportunities from climate change, based on the climatic changes projected by the UK Climate Projections (UKCP09). These include:
Challenges: Opportunities*: Increases in hot weather-related deaths and Increases in grass yields, illnesses allowing a potential increase in livestock Changes in soil conditions, biodiversity and production. landscape due to warmer, drier summers Increase in tourist Reductions in river flows and water numbers and a longer availability during the summer affecting water tourist season supplies and the natural environment Reductions in cold- Increases in flooding on the coast and weather related illnesses inland, affecting people, property and and death infrastructure
Changes in coastal evolution including erosion and coastal squeeze, affecting beaches, intertidal areas and other coastal features * - opportunities are likely to be transient as we Changes in species including a decline in move towards even native species, changes in migration patterns higher temperatures at and increases in alien and invasive species the end of the century
Increases in the risk of pests and diseases affecting agriculture and forestry. The risk to livestock is a particular concern
36 Climate Change Strategy for Wales – Welsh Assembly Government October 2010. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/climatechange/publications/strategy/?lang=en
37 https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/adapting-to-climate-change
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3.56 The Climate Change Strategy for Wales describes ways in which businesses, organisations, communities and individuals can play their part in reducing their carbon footprint. The LDP will contain an assessment of the potential for renewable energy resources and technologies, and energy efficiency/conservation measures. The LDP will need to ensure that these developments do not impact on the special qualities of the AONB.
3.57 A first step toward understanding how the AONB is most at risk from the changing climate will be to complete a vulnerability assessment for the special qualities of the AONB. Informed by the CCRA for Wales, the assessment will identify those features most at risk and allow us to plan for those changes – or mitigate them where possible
3.58 Future challenges specifically around coastal flooding and erosion have been addressed through the review of the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP2). The long term approaches for the three coastal sections in the AONB are as follows:
Coastal Section Summary of Management Approach Mumbles Head to Allow natural erosion of the undeveloped coastline; Worm’s Head hold the existing line through maintenance of existing defences within the bays; and the management of existing sand dune systems
Worm’s Head to Allow this predominantly undeveloped coastline to Whiteford Point continue to develop naturally. There are few socio- economic assets at risk from coastal erosion or flooding along this frontage and the recommended approach is for relocation of assets rather than defence construction.
Loughor Estuary Allow natural development of the undefended shore; and hold the existing line through maintenance (and upgrading, if justified) of existing defences to reduce the risk of coastal erosion and flooding to key assets.
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60 Offshore Activities
3.59 Offshore activities can have an impact on the landscape and seascape of an AONB. Responsibilities for marine planning arising from the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 lie with Welsh Government. Welsh Government intends to have a Marine Plan for Wales in place by 2015. The Marine Plan will set out policies for sustainable development in the Welsh marine environment.
3.60 The two main activities with a potential impact on Gower are marine dredging for sand and offshore wind turbine developments.
3.61 Dredging marine sand for use in the construction industry has long been practised at various sites in the Bristol Channel, including Helwick Bank, which lies to the south of Port Eynon. Between 1964 and 1999, a total of 1,265,241 tonnes were extracted. Licensing through the Welsh Government on behalf of the Crown Estate regulates sand extraction. The British Marine Aggregate Producers Association 38 produce annual reports on licenced areas and dredged areas/volumes.
3.62 Appendix C (Baseline Process Understanding) of the SMP2 outlines the evidence and conclusions around the links between marine dredging activity and variations in beach sediment levels around Gower. There appears to be little conclusive evidence of the effects of dredging on the beaches.
3.63 The proposals for the Atlantic Array wind farm have been withdrawn by the developer, however other renewable energy developments in the Bristol Channel have the potential to effect the seascape and key views from the AONB.
38 http://www.bmapa.org/downloads/reference.php
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61 Development
3.64 Most changes in land use are regulated through the development planning system. Planning policy in the adopted Unitary Development Plan and Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) provide the framework for development control decisions. The emphasis of existing policies is that development in the AONB should be not prejudice the conservation and enhancement of the natural beauty and historic built environment of the AONB. Policies allow for small-scale housing developments of a scale and design in keeping with the existing setting. The purpose of the policies is to ensure that development within the AONB is of a type, scale, and quality which complements the special qualities and enhances the landscape.
3.65 The Gower AONB Design Guide was published and adopted as SPG in 2011. This detailed guidance is intended to help property owners, developers and planners to ensure that development respects the distinctive character of both the natural and built environment of Gower. The Guide provides a practical design tool to be used by all involved in the design and development process, whether planning permission is required or not. Other relevant SPG includes Planning for Community Safety 39 .
3.64 There is less planning control over agricultural buildings, which can - because of their size and materials - have a significant impact on the landscape. The principles and advice in the Design Guide should still have useful application on these developments.
3.66 Future changes in agriculture may affect the demand for new buildings and the conversion of others to non-agricultural uses. Barn conversions to houses and adaptation of buildings for holiday accommodation are typical examples. The Welsh Government’s Technical Advice 6 Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities (TAN 6) also addresses these issues 40 .
39 City and County of Swansea (2012) Planning for Community Safety. http://www.swansea.gov.uk/spg 40 Welsh Government Planning Policy Wales Technical Advice Note 6 July 2010
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62 Housing
3.68 Settlement patterns and the design of individual buildings and the space between them contribute to the appearance of the landscape and its evolution over time. Dwellings form a significant part of this scene, and are essential for those working in the countryside. The Gower AONB Design Guide provides guidance on sympathetic development, maintenance and refurbishment of buildings within the AONB.
3.70 The UDP identifies 16 ‘small villages’ in the AONB, where small-scale residential development (and non-residential) would be supported subject to certain criteria. One ‘large village’ has been identified in the AONB – Pennard/Southgate where housing may be permitted in exceptional circumstances where this would contribute local needs affordable housing.
3.71 In common with many other rural areas, affordable housing on Gower is an issue for local people. The price of housing coupled with the current difficulty of raising a deposit for mortgage has meant many local people who are first time buyers are unable to buy a house. The availability of affordable housing for rent or to buy is important in helping to maintain communities with a balanced age group, and one that is not dominated by wealthy or retired people. Permission may be granted for the specific purpose of providing affordable housing to meet an existing deficiency for people who need to live locally where this cannot be met through the general housing market.
3.72 In several communities, holiday/second homes form a large proportion of the properties, which can be empty for large parts of the year - having an impact upon communities and community facilities. However, the impact can be mixed, as the tourism income generated can be significant, and can support a variety of enterprises that are focused upon the tourism market.
3.73 As part of the evidence base for the LDP Preferred Strategy, an Affordable Housing Viability Study 41 looks at the potential implications that affordable housing provision would have on the viability of housing developments. The study identifies appropriate thresholds and targets affordable housing provision within different areas of the City and County of Swansea – including Gower.
41 Andrew Golland Associates 2013. City and County of Swansea Affordable Housing Viability Assessment http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=55469
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63 Community Facilities and Local Services
3.73 Most of the large villages in the AONB have some community facilities such as a church, village hall or a pub. Community facilities and services are important for the well-being of residents living in the AONB. Several village halls within the AONB have been refurbished in recent years with additional facilities to cater for increased use and provide better facilities for disabled people. Funding has been provided from sources such as the AONB Sustainable Development Fund and Rural Development Plan.
3.74 The provision of doctors and dentists is sparse in the AONB with Scurlage medical centre the focus for west Gower, and Pennard surgery for east Gower. There are other medical facilities in villages just outside the AONB (e.g. Bishopston and Penclawdd). Sub post offices are more limited in extent and at least one has closed since the publication of the original plan in 2006.
3.75 Most villages have at least one shop, but this is a situation that is threatened by increasing numbers of people shopping at larger shops and supermarkets outside the AONB, and with the advent of home delivery services from these to villages in the AONB. The community shop in Llanmadoc has recently moved to a new purpose-built development, and there are several local produce markets operating within and around the AONB reflecting the increasing interest in local food and arts and crafts. The Rural Swansea Action project has been supporting and developing local suppliers to make the most of their products and support the rural economy.
3.76 There are three primary schools in the AONB at Knelston, Llanrhidian and Pennard. These are feeder schools for the nearest comprehensive schools at Gowerton or Bishopston. The latter does not have a sixth form so post-16 pupils have to travel to Swansea or Gorseinon. Further education is also provided at Gower College in Gorseinon and Swansea. School premises provide an important venue for community activities, such as non-vocational further education classes and community meetings.
3.77 The Welsh Government has recently published a Technical Advice Note (TAN) 42 to provide guidance on how the planning system can support rural communities and contribute to: • Sustainable rural economies; • Sustainable rural housing; • Sustainable rural services; and • Sustainable agriculture.
3.78 In the introduction the TAN states ‘the planning system has a key role to play in supporting the delivery of sustainable rural communities. It can help to ensure that appropriate development takes place in the right place at the right time by making sufficient land available to provide homes and employment opportunities for local people, helping to sustain rural services. 3.79
42 Technical Advice Note 6: Planning for Sustainable Rural Communities Welsh Government July 2010
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64 Simultaneously, the planning system must respond to the challenges posed by climate change, for example by accommodating the need for renewable energy generation. It must also protect and enhance the natural and historic environment and safeguard the countryside and open spaces. The overall goal for the planning system is to support living and working rural communities in order that they are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. Planning authorities should seek to strengthen rural communities by helping to ensure that existing residents can work and access services locally using low carbon travel and obtain a higher proportion of their energy needs from local renewable sources’.
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65 CHAPTER 4 THE VISION
4.1 The development of the 2006 Management Plan invested considerable time in preparing and agreeing a 20-year vision for the AONB. The overall vision for the AONB has been carried forward into the 2016 Management Plan and is:
Gower is recognised by residents and visitors as a protected landscape of international importance where the interaction of people and nature over time has produced an area of distinct character with significant aesthetic, ecological and cultural value, and with high biological diversity. Its natural beauty will be sustained by the conservation and enhancement of its natural special qualities, whilst at the same time supporting a sustainable local economy and maintaining culturally rich communities and is reflected in the quality and scale of the built environment
4.2 This overall vision is expanded in a strategy around 14 key themes, each with its own 20-year vision (See Table below). These have also been carried forward from the 2006 Management Plan.
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66 Theme Vision Statements:
Theme 20 -year vision for Theme 1:Biodiversity A landscape rich in wildlife and of international importance, with the key habitats of limestone grasslands, lowland heathland, salt marshes, sand dunes, freshwater marsh and alder and ash woodlands in a good and stable condition 2:Geology A geological landscape of international importance which is understood and respected, which continues to provide opportunities for environmental education, and is protected from damaging activities. 3:Landscape and A landscape, which is internationally renowned for its Seascape small scale and variety of character and which is closely related to the surrounding sea and, supports sustainable development. A landscape where the built environment is complementary to this character and where the pattern of small fields, tracts of common land, and sunken lanes remain as examples of man’s impact in evolving the landscape character. 4:Cultural Heritage A landscape in which the rich cultural heritage, with its ancient monuments, historic landscapes, parklands, gardens, and historic buildings, is managed to a high standard in recognition of its national importance, and is interpreted to a high standard. 5:Natural Resources An environment where the air and water quality is good, and supports quiet recreation and a variety of terrestrial and marine wildlife. Soil quality is maintained to support more environmentally friendly agriculture. 6:Tranquillity A landscape where tranquillity can still be enjoyed free from noise and visual intrusion. A landscape where the beauty of the starlight night sky can still be appreciated. 7:Recreation A network of public rights of way which is fully open, Resources usable and well-maintained, and has been improved to provide access for all as far as possible. Access land which is clearly identified, and is available for use, unless subject to temporary restrictions. Beaches, which are well managed for public use and meet current standards of management and criteria, including those set by award schemes. 8:Primary Industries An economically thriving sector where agriculture is more diverse, meets modern day and perceived future requirements and is supported by agri- environment schemes and diversification compatible with the objectives of conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB.
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67 Theme 20 -year vision for Theme 9:Tourism A vibrant tourism economy based on the principles of sustainable tourism offering a quality experience, in which the conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB, and their quiet enjoyment have top priority. A dynamic tourist industry, which creates economic benefits, and helps support community facilities and infrastructure. 10:Transport A network and management system, which supports a variety of modes of transport to suit community and visitor needs in a sustainable way, with a minimal impact on the special qualities of the AONB. 11:Utilities and A landscape in which the needs of the utility and Communications communication companies, including the supporting infrastructure, can be accommodated without a detrimental impact on the landscape and seascape 12: Development and A landscape in which the needs of new development Offshore Activities including the supporting infrastructure can be accommodated without a detrimental impact on the landscape and seascape, and where the principles of sustainable development are adopted 13:Housing, Thriving diverse communities, which contain a range Community Facilities of housing and facilities to meet the needs of and Services residents and visitors. 14:Awareness A landscape which is fully recognised for its special Raising and qualities and, and is appreciated and understood by Understanding residents and visitors
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68 Chapter 5 The Strategy
5.1 The overall aim of the strategy is to work toward the 20-year vision for the AONB. The Strategy identifies a series of policies and objectives for each of the 14 key themes. These five-year policies and objectives set the framework for the Action Plan in Chapter 7, to be implemented in the period 2014-2018.
5.2 As with the previous plan, CCS actions – and those of other partners - are often dependent on availability of funding from existing budgets and/or securing funding from other sources.
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69 Theme 1: Biodiversity – Vision - A landscape rich in wildlife and of international importance, with the key habitats of limestone grasslands, lowland heathland, salt marshes, sand dunes, freshwater marsh and alder and ash woodlands in a good and stable condition
Policies
5.3 W1 Conserve and enhance all existing areas of key habitats and populations of key species.
5.4 W2 Conserve and enhance all existing statutory designated biological sites.
5.5 W3 Gain a better understanding of the condition of key habitats and wildlife at sites statutorily designated for biological reasons and other important sites.
Objectives
5.6 Objective 1: Ensure that the Local Development Plan policies and Development Control decisions conserve and enhance the biodiversity features of the AONB.
5.7 Objective 2: Identify and address management issues and priorities for biodiversity features of the AONB to achieve Favourable Conservation Status and improve ecological connectivity.
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70 Theme 2: Geology – Vision - A geological landscape of international importance which is understood and respected, which continues to provide opportunities for environmental education, and is protected from damaging activities
Policies
5.8 G1 Conserve and enhance the geological landscape and all important geological features in the AONB.
Objectives
5.9 Objective 3: Ensure that Local Development Plan policies and Development Control decisions conserve and enhance the geological features of the AONB.
5.10 Objective 4: Identify and address management issues and priorities for geological features across the AONB, ensuring that these features are visible and available for study.
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71 Theme 3: Landscape and Seascape – Vision - A landscape, which is internationally renowned for its small scale and variety of character and which is closely related to the surrounding sea and, supports sustainable development. A landscape where the built environment is complementary to this character and where the pattern of small fields, tracts of common land, and sunken lanes remain as examples of man’s impact in evolving the landscape character
Policies
5.11 LS1 Encourage the conservation and enhancement of the AONB’s key distinctive landscape features - limestone cliffs, saltmarshes, sand dunes, common land, wooded valleys and small fields bounded by hedges and stone walls.
5.12 LS2 Protect and enhance traditional views of the landscape, seascape, and landmark features.
Objectives
5.13 Objective 5: Ensure that spatial planning policies and Development Control decisions conserve and enhance the landscape, seascape and key views in and out of the AONB.
5.14 Objective 6: Review and address landscape management issues and priorities for key landscape features and views across the AONB.
5.15 Objective 7: Extend the recording and monitoring of the AONB landscape, seascape and key views.
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72 Theme 4: Cultural Heritage – Vision - A landscape in which the rich cultural heritage, with its ancient monuments, historic landscapes, parklands, gardens, and historic buildings, is managed to a high standard in recognition of its national importance, and is interpreted to a high standard
Policies
5.16 CH1 Conserve and enhance the archaeological features and built heritage of the AONB.
Objectives
5.17 Objective 8: Ensure that Local Development Plan policies and Development Control decisions conserve and enhance the archaeological and built heritage features of the AONB.
5.18 Objective 9: Review and address the key management issues and priorities for the archaeological and built heritage of the AONB.
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73 Theme 5: Natural Resources – Vision - An environment where the a ir and water quality is good, and supports quiet recreation and a variety of terrestrial and marine wildlife. Soil quality is maintained to support more environmentally friendly agriculture
Policies
5.19 NR1 Maintain good air and water quality for the benefit of people and ecosystems.
5.20 NR2 Conserve and enhance soil quality across the AONB.
Objectives
5.21 Objective 10: Continue to screen and monitor air and water quality across the AONB.
5.22 Objective 11: Progress toward Good Ecological Status for waterbodies in the AONB.
5.23 Objective 12: Develop a better understanding of soil conservation issues in the AONB.
5.24 Objective 13: Develop an understanding of the ecosystem services provided by the AONB.
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74 Theme 6: Tranquillity - Vision - A land scape where tranquillity can still be enjoyed free from noise and visual intrusion. A landscape where the beauty of the starlight night sky can still be appreciated
Policies
5.25 T1 Conserve and enhance tranquillity.
5.26 T2 Promote measures to limit the increase of noise levels from road traffic, aircraft, and watercraft.
5.27 T3 Promote measures to reduce sky glow.
Objectives
5.28 Objective 14: Assess current levels of tranquillity, noise and light pollution.
5.29 Objective 15: Ensure that Local Development Plan policy and Development Control decisions protect tranquillity and the night sky of the AONB.
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75 Theme 7: Recreation Resources – Vision - A network of public rights of way which is fully open, usable and well-maintained, and has been improved to provide access for all as far as possible. Access land which is clearly identified, and is available for use, unless subject to temporary restrictions. Beaches, which are well managed for public use and meet current standards of management and criteria, including those set by award schemes
Policies
5.30 RR1 Increase the number of public rights of way which are easy to use.
5.31 RR2 Ensure that access land is available and publicised for use by communities and visitors.
5.32 RR3 Keep the Gower beaches at their high standard.
Objectives
5.33 Objective 16: To improve the current standard and level of maintenance of public rights of way so that 95% are open, usable and clearly signposted.
5.34 Objective 17: To improve access opportunities around the Wales Coast Path and the Gower Way.
5.35 Objective 18: Ensure that Access Land is available and publicised for use by communities and visitors.
5.36 Objective 19: Develop a clear understanding of the recreation activities in the AONB and around the coast.
5.37 Objective 20: Maintain high quality status and profile of Gower beaches and associated facilities.
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76 Theme 8: Primary Industries – Vision - An economically thriving sector where agriculture is more diverse, meets modern day and perceived future requirements and is supported by agri-environment schemes and diversification compatible with the objectives of conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB
Policies
5.38 PI1 Promote agriculture and woodland management in a sustainable manner linked to local, regional and national markets.
5.39 PI2 Support environmentally sustainable craft and workshop activities.
5.40 PI3 Support coordinated action for achieving a balanced and sustainable growth of the local fishing industry.
Objectives
5.41 Objective 21: Increase the area of the AONB under sustainable land management, including common land.
5.42 Objective 22: Support appropriate and sustainable farm and rural diversification and enterprise through the LDP and RDP.
5.43 Objective 23: Develop coordinated support for the balanced and sustainable growth of the local fishing industry.
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77 Theme 9: Tourism – Vision - A vibrant tourism economy based on the principles of sustainable tourism offering a quality experience, in which the conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the AONB, and their quiet enjoyment have top priority. A dynamic tourist industry, which creates economic benefits, and helps support community facilities and infrastructure
Policies
5.44 TR1 Encourage a sustainable tourism industry and appropriate recreation facilities, that supports the local economy and the local community.
5.45 TR2 Promote tourism with the aim of improving the visitor experience, and in accordance with the principles of sustainable tourism.
Objectives
5.46 Objective 24: Support the development of a sustainable tourism industry on Gower.
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78 Theme 10: Transpo rt - Vision - A network and management system, which supports a variety of modes of transport to suit community and visitor needs in a sustainable way, with a minimal impact on the special qualities of the AONB
Policies
5.47 TP1 Publicise public transport networks and the services available.
5.48 TP2 Promote schemes which offer a sustainable means of alternative transport including bus, cycling, and walking, and the better integration of different modes.
5.49 TP3 Ensure that the transport network improvements are carried out in a way to minimise their impact on the special qualities of the AONB.
Objectives
5.50 Objective 25: Ensure that the public have the information they need to use sustainable and active travel networks and services.
5.51 Objective 26: Improve the provision of sustainable and active travel networks and services across the AONB.
5.52 Objective 27: Develop a better understanding of car parking provision, issues and improvement priorities across the AONB.
5.53 Objective 28: Maintain good practice highway improvements across the AONB.
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79 Theme 11: Utilities and Communications – Vision - A landscape in which the needs of the utility and communication companies, including the supporting infrastructure, can be accommodated without a detrimental impact on the landscape and seascape
Policies
5.54 UC1 Support the improvement of utility and communications assets that minimise the impacts on the special qualities of the AONB.
Objectives
5.55 Objective 29: Improve mobile and broadband coverage in the AONB without adversely affecting the special qualities.
5.56 Objective 30: Reduce the landscape and visual effects of the power supply network on Gower.
5.57 Objective 31: Have a clear understanding of utility/communications investment and infrastructure priorities that may affect the AONB.
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80 Theme 12: Development and Offshore Activities - Vision - A landscape in which the needs of new development, including the supporting infrastructure, can be accommodated without a detrimental impact on the landscape and seascape, and where the principles of sustainable development are adopted
Policies
5.58 D1 Support new development which is locally distinct, sensitive to the location and setting, has a minimum impact on the special qualities of the AONB landscape and seascape, and incorporates designs based on the principles of sustainable development.
5.59 D2 Discourage development outside of the AONB which will have a detrimental effect on the special qualities of the AONB.
Objectives
5.60 Objective 32: Ensure that Local Development Plan policies and Development Control decisions conserve and enhance the landscape/seascape features and views of the AONB.
5.61 Objective 33: Improve the quality of the built environment in the AONB.
5.62 Objective 34: Ensure developments outside the AONB consider potential adverse effects on the special qualities.
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81 Theme 13: Housing, Community Facilities and Services – Vision - Thriving diverse communities, which contain a range of housing and facilities to meet the needs of residents and visitors
Policies
5.63 HC1 Promote the provision of affordable housing for local people.
5.64 HC2 Monitor change in the provision of community facilities and services.
5.65 HC3 Support existing community initiatives, facilities and services, including shops, post offices and primary schools.
Objectives
5.66 Objective 35: Ensure that LDP policy addresses the affordable housing needs of local communities.
5.67 Objective 36: Identify and respond to trends in the range and extent of community facilities in the AONB.
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82
Theme 14: Awareness Raising and Understanding – Vision - A landscape which is fully recognised for its special qualities and is appreciated and understood by residents and visitors
Policies
5.68 AR1 Maintain a high profile for the AONB as a protected area of UK importance, which is widely recognised, and its special qualities appreciated.
5.69 AR2 Raise public awareness of and involvement with all the special qualities of the AONB, but particularly:
• Biodiversity • Geology • Landscape • Cultural Heritage.
5.70 AR3 Support effective governance arrangements for the management of the AONB.
Objectives
5.71 Objective 37: Raise awareness of all the AONB special qualities and their value.
5.72 Objective 38: Increase public access to, appreciation of and involvement with all the special qualities of the AONB, but particularly:
• Biodiversity • Geology • Landscape • Cultural Heritage
5.73 Objective 39: Maintain public debate and involvement in AONB issues and management.
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83
CHAPTER 6 THE ACTION PLAN
2014 Objectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 1: Biodiversity
Objective 1: Ensure that the Local Refresh the LDP biodiversity evidence Nature Conservation Team, LDP Team, Development Plan policies and base; review and adopt LDP policy Planning Control Development Control decisions conserve protecting the biodiversity features and and enhance the biodiversity features of the designations of the AONB AONB Complete the re-evaluation of SINCs Nature Conservation Team within the AONB
Page 93 Page Complete review of Local Biodiversity Nature Conservation Team Action Plans for key habitats and species of the AONB Objective 2: Identify and address Report on condition of SSSI biological Natural Resources Wales, Nature Conservation management issues and priorities for features and identify management issues Team and AONB Team, National Trust biodiversity features of the AONB, to and priorities across the AONB achieve Favourable Conservation Status Report on condition of SINCs and LNRs in Nature Conservation Team, AONB Team (for sites, habitats and species) and the AONB and identify management improve ecological connectivity issues and priorities across the AONB Complete a climate change vulnerability AONB Team, Nature Conservation Team, assessment for key habitats and species National Trust of the AONB Undertake an Invasive Non-Native Species AONB Team, Nature Conservation Team, (INNS) risk assessment for the AONB -to National Trust identify risks and prioritise control actions on INNS that threaten the special qualities of the AONB
84 2014 Objectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 1: Biodiversity (continued)
Objective 2 (continued) Implementation of the Carmarthen Bay Nature Conservation Team, CBEEMS relevant and Estuaries European Marine Site authorities (CBEEMS) Management Scheme
Undertake practical biodiversity Nature Conservation Team, AONB Team, management, working with landowners, National Trust, Natural Resources Wales, managers, groups, volunteers and others Wildlife Trust for SW Wales, Gower Landscape Partnership
Page 94 Page
85 2014 Objectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 2: Geology Objective 3: Ensure that Local Development Develop and review RIGS evidence base - Nature Conservation Team, AONB Team, LDP Plan policies and Development Control including selection criteria, candidate sites Team decisions conserve and enhance the - and identify RIGS across the AONB geological features of the AONB Review and adoption of LDP policy to Nature Conservation Team, AONB Team, LDP conserve and enhance geological features team, Planning Control of the AONB
Objective 4: Identify and address Report on condition of SSSI geological Natural Resources Wales, AONB Team, management issues and priorities for features and identify management issues National Trust geological features across the AONB, and priorities across the AONB ensuring that features are visible and Page 95 Page available for study Complete a climate change vulnerability NRW, AONB Team, Nature Conservation Team assessment for key geological features
Undertake practical management of Nature Conservation Team, AONB Team, geological features with landowners, National Trust, Natural Resources Wales, managers, groups, volunteers and others Wildlife Trust for SW Wales, Gower Landscape Partnership
86 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams Theme 3: Landscape and Seascape Objective 5: Ensure that spatial planning Provide a robust evidence base that AONB Team, LDP Team, Planning Control policies and Development Control decisions supports emerging LDP policies protecting conserve and enhance the landscape, the landscape and seascape of the AONB seascape and key views in and out of the AONB Review and update of LANDMAP data for LDP Team, Natural Resources Wales, AONB the AONB Team
Review and adoption of LDP policy to AONB Team, LDP Team conserve and enhance the landscape and seascape of the AONB
Engage in the development of Marine Plan LDP Team, AONB Team, Nature Conservation for Wales Team Page 96 Page Undertake a detailed assessment of the Natural Resources Wales, AONB Team AONB seascape Objective 6: Review and address landscape Review, prioritise and implement AONB Team management issues and priorities for key management guidelines proposed for each landscape features and views across the Landscape Character Area through a AONB Landscape Action Plan. Complete a climate change vulnerability AONB Team, National Trust assessment for key landscape/seascape features and views Undertake practical management of Nature Conservation Team, AONB Team, landscape features and key views with National Trust, Natural Resources Wales, landowners, managers, groups, volunteers Wildlife Trust for SW Wales, Gower Landscape and others Partnership Objective 7: Extend the recording and Develop and implement a landscape AONB Team, Natural Resources Wales monitoring of the AONB landscape, character and photographic monitoring seascape and key views programme to record and assess landscape change
87 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 4: Cultural Heritage
Objective 8: Ensure that Local Development Provide a robust evidence base that AONB Team, LDP Team, Design and Plan policies and Development Control supports emerging LDP policies protecting Conservation Team, Glamorgan Gwent decisions conserve and enhance the the cultural heritage of the AONB Archaeological Trust (GGAT) archaeological and built heritage features of the AONB Review and adoption of LDP policy to AONB Team, LDP Team, Design and conserve and enhance the cultural Conservation Team, Planning Control heritage features of the AONB
Objective 9: Review and address the key Review, prioritise and implement AONB Team, Design and Conservation Team, management issues and priorities for the management guidelines proposed for National Trust, GGAT, Cadw, Gower archaeological and built heritage of the Cultural Heritage - Listed Buildings at Risk Landscape Partnership Page 97 Page AONB Register, Conservation Areas appraisals and plans, Historic landscape appraisals, Scheduled Ancient Monument management plans, historic landscapes, parks and gardens
Complete a climate change vulnerability AONB Team, LDP Team, Design and assessment for archaeology and built Conservation Team, Historic Environment heritage Group, GGAT
Undertake practical management of AONB Team, National Trust, GGAT, Cadw, archaeological and built heritage with Gower Landscape Partnership landowners, managers, groups, volunteers and others
88 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 5: Natural Resources
Objective 10: Continue to screen and Complete LAQM annual Environmental Protection Team, Natural monitor air and water quality across the screening/monitoring requirements Resources Wales AONB Complete Bathing Water Directive monitoring requirements
Complete Water Framework Directive monitoring and assessment requirements
Objective 11: Progress toward Good Implement measures identified in the Natural Resources Wales, AONB Team, Nature Ecological Status for waterbodies in the Western Wales River Basin Management Conservation Team, Swansea Environment
Page 98 Page AONB Plan relevant to the AONB Forum
Objective 12: Develop a better Review of soil and land quality data across AONB Team, Nature Conservation Team, understanding of soil conservation issues the AONB; identification of priority issues Natural Resources Wales in the AONB for AONB management
Objective 13: Develop an understanding of Undertake an ecosystems services AONB Team, Nature Conservation Team, the ecosystem services provided by the mapping exercise in the AONB Natural Resources Wales, Swansea AONB Environment Forum
89 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 6: Tranquillity Objective 14: Assess current levels of Develop and undertake AONB Team, Natural Resources Wales tranquillity, noise and light pollution baseline/monitoring approaches for tranquillity/dark sky
Objective 15: Ensure that Local Review/monitor implementation of AONB Team, LDP Team, Planning Control Development Plan policy and development lighting/design guide SPG in project design control decisions protect tranquillity and and Development Control the night sky of the AONB Provide a robust evidence base to inform emerging LDP policies protecting the tranquillity and night skies of the AONB Page 99 Page Review and adoption of LDP policy to conserve and enhance tranquillity and night sky of the AONB
90 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 7: Recreation Resources
Objective 16: To improve the current Continued implementation of the Rights of Countryside Access Team, NRW standard and level of maintenance of public Way Improvement Plan rights of way so that 95% are open, usable Undertake practical maintenance and Countryside Access Team, NRW and clearly signposted. improvements to the AONB RoW network with landowners/managers, groups, volunteers and others
Objective 17: To improve access Identify, prioritise and promote circular Countryside Access Team, NRW, Gower opportunities around the Wales Coast Path routes around the Wales Coast Path and Society and the Gower Way the Gower Way
Page 100 Page Objective 18: Ensure that Access Land is Complete review and publication of access Natural Resources Wales, Countryside Access available and publicised for use by land maps under the CRoW Act 2000 Team, AONB Team, National Trust communities and visitors Report on the revised extent and distribution of access land in the AONB Objective 19: Develop a clear understanding Analyse and report on recreation activities AONB Team, Countryside Access Team, of the recreation activities in the AONB and and identify priority issues for planning and Tourism Team, Business Partnership Unit, around the coast management National Trust
Objective 20: Maintain high quality status Annual applications for appropriate beach Business Partnership Unit and profile of Gower beaches and awards associated facilities Preparation and implementation of Business Partnership Unit, AONB Team, coordinated beach management plans Tourism Team, National Trust, Beach owners and managers
91 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 8: Primary Industries Objective 21: Increase the area of the AONB Engage in the consultation/development of Welsh Government, AONB Team, Nature under sustainable land management Wales Rural Development Plan 2014-2020 Conservation Team, Natural Resources Wales Axis 2 - Glastir
Identify and take opportunities to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the AONB through Glastir with applicants, agreement holders and project officers
Collaborative work on sustainable land Swansea Land Management Group management practices, including strategic Welsh Government, AONB Team, Nature
Page 101 Page wildfire protection and prevention initiatives Conservation Team, National Trust Natural Resources Wales Objective 22: Support appropriate and Engage in the consultation/development of AONB Team, Economic Development Team, sustainable farm and rural diversification Wales Rural Development Plan 2014-20 Rural Development Partnership and enterprise through the LDP and RDP. Axes 3 and 4
Develop and implement project plan the Swansea RDP 2014-20
Objective 23: Develop coordinated support Implementation of the Swansea Bay Swansea Bay Fisheries Local Action Group for the balanced and sustainable growth of Fisheries Local Development Strategy (FLAG), Economic Development Team, the local fishing industry SACRAG
92 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 9: Tourism Objective 24: Support the development of a Implementation of the Swansea Bay Destination Management Plan Delivery Groups sustainable tourism industry on Gower Destination Management Plan
Finalise the Sustainable Tourism Strategy AONB Team and other partners identified by and implement relevant recommendations the Action Plan and actions
Page 102 Page
93 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 10 : Transport
Objective 25: Ensure that the public have Promote the use and awareness of Baytrans, Rural Development Partnership, the information they need to use sustainable and active travel networks and AONB Team sustainable and active travel networks and services e.g. walking by bus leaflets, digital services media
Objective 26: Improve the provision of Identify and implement priority schemes for Countryside Access Team, AONB Team, sustainable and active travel networks and safe walking and cycling in the AONB Highways Team, Community Councils services across the AONB Sustain and improve the Gower Explorer Baytrans, Countryside Access Team, CCS bus service Transport
Page 103 Page Optimise access points to popular walks – Baytrans, Rural Development Partnership, especially the Coast Path – for bus users service operator
Objective 27: Develop a better Undertake a review of car parking Highways Team, AONB Team, Tourism Team, understanding of cark parking provision, provision, issues and improvement National Trust, car park owners and operators issues and improvement priorities across priorities the AONB
Objective 28: Maintain good practice Continued implementation of the Highway Highways Team, AONB Team highway improvements across the AONB Design Guide
94 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 11 : Utilities and Communications
Objective 29: Improve mobile and Work with Mobile Infrastructure Project Arqiva, AONB Team, Planning Control broadband coverage in the AONB without (MIP) - Arqiva and the Department for adversely affecting the special qualities Culture, Media and Sport
Work with broadband improvement AONB Team and project delivery teams projects in the AONB - e.g.Superfast Cymru
Objective 30: Reduce the landscape and Develop and implement landscape Western Power Distribution, AONB Team visual effects of the power supply network improvement schemes through the
Page 104 Page on Gower Western Power Undergrounding Initiative
Objective 31: Have a clear understanding of Research and report on utility company AONB Team utility/communications investment and investment plans - sewerage, water infrastructure priorities that may affect the supply, gas, electric, telecomms AONB
95 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 12 : Development and Offshore Activities
Objective 32: Ensure that spatial planning Engage with policy development and AONB Partnership, AONB Team, LDP Team, policies and development control conserve planning control in and around the AONB, Planning Control, Welsh Government, and enhance the natural beauty of the including: CCS and Carmarthenshire Carmarthenshire County Council, Nature AONB LDPs, Marine planning, major Conservation Team infrastructure developments
Objective 33: Improve the quality of the built Continue with implementation of the AONB AONB Team, LDP Team, Planning Control environment in the AONB Design Guide and Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)
Develop additional guidance for other AONB Team, LDP Team, Planning Control Page 105 Page development issues affecting the landscape character of the AONB, e.g. renewable energy, caravan/camping, car parking
Objective 34: Ensure developments outside Monitor and respond to development AONB Team, LDP Team, Planning Control, the AONB consider potential adverse planning processes and projects outside of Nature Conservation Team effects on the AONB special qualities the AONB
96 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 13 : Housing, Community Facilities and Services
Objective 35: Ensure that LDP policy Provide a robust evidence base on LDP Team addresses the affordable housing needs of affordable housing to inform the emerging local communities LDP policies
Development and adoption of LDP policy that considers the need for affordable housing in local communities
Objective 36: Identify and respond to trends Updates and analysis of ward profiles for LDP Team, AONB Team, Research and in the range and extent of community AONB wards Information Team facilities in the AONB Page 106 Page
97 2014 O bjectives Actions to achieve objective 2014 -2018 Lead Partners and CCS Teams
Theme 14 : Awareness Raising and Understanding Objective 37: Raise the public profile of the Update and implement the AONB AONB Team AONB special qualities and its Communications Plan environmental, social and economic value
Objective 38: Increase public access to, Develop and implement a programme of AONB Team, Gower Landscape Partnership, appreciation of and involvement with all the training and volunteering opportunities and Nature Conservation Team, GGAT, National special qualities of the AONB, but tasks Trust particularly: • Biodiversity Develop and implement a programme of AONB Team, Gower Landscape Partnership, • Geology intellectual access, walks, talks and events Nature Conservation Team, GGAT, National • projects Trust, Wildlife Trust for SW Wales Page 107 Page Landscape • Cultural Heritage
Objective 39: Maintain public debate and Enable the Gower AONB Partnership to AONB Team, Democratic Services involvement in AONB issues and operate under its Terms of Reference management
98
Chapter 7: Implementation, Monitoring and Review
7.1 Monitoring and review (of both the condition of the AONB resource and the implementation of the Action Plan) are an integral part of the management planning process, underpinned by the statutory requirement to review the management plan every five years.
7.2 The Action Plan is a five-year programme, the delivery and timing of which is dependent on availability of funding from existing budgets and/or securing funding from other sources.
7.3 Progress will be reported back on an annual basis by the AONB team - through both the Council and the Gower AONB Partnership.
7.4 Specifically, monitoring and review are concerned with:
• Checking that identified actions have been undertaken • Ensuring that identified actions are delivering the measurable objectives in the management plan • Assessing the effects of the management plan on the state of the AONB • Considering how these effects should influence the future policies in the management plan.
7.5 The table below identifies – for each Theme (and its relevant objectives) – parameters that will be used in the monitoring and review of the AONB. These parameters are categorised as either:
• Indicators – measurable information that helps quantify achievement of the vision/outcomes • Performance Measures – measurable information that quantifies if a service/action is working or being implemented.
7.6 The preference has been to select Performance Measures and outcome Indicators from datasets and other information that is publically or readily available; references identify these information sources.
Page 108 99
Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 1: Biodiversity - A Natura 2000, SSSIs, LNR s and Objective 1 - Ensure that Evidence-base for biodiversity policy in LDP landscape rich in SINCs – number/proportion of Local Development Plan completed wildlife and of features at – or returning to – policies and development international Favourable Conservation Status control decisions conserve LDP Habitats Regulations Assessment importance, with and enhance the biodiversity completed the key habitats of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) features of the AONB limestone Habitats – number/proportion of LDP biodiversity policy review completed grasslands, habitats where condition and lowland heathland, extent is stable or increasing Proportion of AONB planning control salt marshes, sand assessments and decisions applying LDP dunes, freshwater BAP Species – biodiversity policy
Page 109 Page marsh and alder number/proportion of species and ash where population size and Objective 2 - Identify and Proportion of Natura 2000, SSSIs, LNRs and woodlands in a distribution/extent is stable or address management issues SINCs with implemented management plans good and stable increasing and priorities for biodiversity condition features of the AONB, to Proportion of BAP Habitats and BAP Species Invasive Non-Native Species achieve Favourable with implemented management plans (INNS)- number/proportion of Conservation Status and species where population size improve ecological Proportion of INNS with Implemented and distribution/extent is stable connectivity management plans or decreasing Management activity reported on Biodiversity Action Plan Reporting System (BARS)
No. of staff/volunteer days spent on practical biodiversity conservation/enhancement projects
100 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 2: Geology - A SSSIs – number/proportion of Objective 3 - Ensure that RIGS selection process and criteria geological geological features at – or Local Development Plan established landscape of returning to – Favourable policies and development international Conservation status control decisions conserve Number of RIGS selected and adopted importance which and enhance the geological is understood and Regionally Important features of the AONB Evidence-base for geodiversity policy in LDP respected, which Geological Sites (RIGS) - completed continues to number/proportion of geological provide features at – or returning to – LDP geodiversity policy review completed opportunities for Favourable Conservation Status environmental Number of AONB planning control education, and is assessments and decisions applying
Page 110 Page protected from geodiversity policy damaging activities. Objective 4 - Identify and Proportion of geological SSSIs with address management issues implemented management plans and priorities for geological features of the AONB, Proportion of RIGS with condition ensuring that features are assessments and management plans visible and available for study No. of staff/volunteer days spent on practical geodiversity conservation/ enhancement projects
101 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 3: Landscape and Gower Landscape Character Objective 5 – Ensure that Gower LCA utilised as part of the LDP Seascape - a Assessment (LCA) Areas with spatial planning policies and evidence base landscape, which implemented management – development control is internationally methodology to be determined. decisions conserve and Review of NRW LANDMAP data/evidence renowned for its enhance the landscape, completed small scale and seascape and key views in variety of character and out of the AONB LDP AONB landscape policy review and which is completed closely related to the surrounding Number of AONB planning control sea and, supports assessments and decisions applying AONB sustainable landscape policy/Gower AONB Design Guide
Page 111 Page development. A SPG. landscape where the built Objective 6 - Review and Review of LCA management guidelines environment is address landscape completed complementary to management issues and this character and priorities for key landscape Landscape Action Plan developed where the pattern features and views across the of small fields, AONB No. of staff/volunteer days spent on practical tracts of common landscape conservation/ enhancement land, and sunken projects lanes remain as examples of man’s impact in evolving the landscape character
102 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 3: Landscape and Objective 7 – Extend the Landscape monitoring methodology Seascape Cont… recording and monitoring of established the AONB landscape, seascape and key views Completion of landscape photomonitoring coverage across AONB
Page 112 Page
103 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 4: Cultural Scheduled Ancient Objective 8 – Ensure that Evidence-base for cultural heritage policy in Heritage - A Monuments (SAMs), Listed LDP policies and LDP completed landscape in which Buildings, Conservation Areas, development control the rich cultural Historic Landscapes, decisions conserve and LDP cultural heritage policy review heritage, with its Registered Parks and Gardens enhance the archaeological completed ancient - number/proportion of features and built heritage features of monuments, in a stable or improving condition the AONB Number/proportion of Conservation Areas historic with Character Appraisals and Management landscapes, Historic Environment Register Plans parklands, – to be determined, but could gardens, and include: Number of AONB planning control historic buildings, • net number of recorded assessments and decisions applying LDP
Page 113 Page is managed to a features increasing cultural heritage policy and Gower AONB high standard in • number of features Design Guide SPG recognition of its retained/enhanced national • number of new features Objective 9 - Identify and Number/proportion of SAMs and Registered importance, and is identified/assessed address management issues Parks and Gardens with management interpreted to a • number of features and priorities for plans/agreements high standard. damaged/destroyed archaeological and built heritage of the AONB Number of Listed Buildings remaining on the Buildings at Risk register
No. of staff/volunteer days spent on practical heritage conservation/ enhancement projects
104 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 5: Natural Number of specific Local Air Objective 10: Continue to No areas on Gower identified as at risk from Resources – Quality Management (LAQM) screen and monitor air and poor air quality - identified by annual an environment screening/monitoring thresholds water quality across the screening as part of CCS Local Air Quality where the air and exceeded in the AONB AONB Monitoring requirements water quality is good, and Number of Designated Bathing Monitoring requirements from Bathing Water supports quiet Water beaches maintaining Directive - AONB Bathing Water beaches to recreation and a excellent water quality continue meeting excellent water quality variety of terrestrial standards and marine Number/proportion of AONB wildlife. Soil quality waterbodies at WFD Good Objective 11: Progress Measures identified in the Western Wales is maintained to Ecological Status/Potential toward Good Ecological River Basin Management Plan monitoring
Page 114 Page support more Status for waterbodies in the and reporting environmentally Area of land under sustainable AONB friendly agriculture. land management – baseline and definition to be determined e.g.: • number of farm units and Objective 12 : Develop a Review of AONB soil conservation evidence area of land in Glastir; better understanding of soil and issues completed • Area of common land in conservation issues in the Glastir AONB • Area of land owned and managed for/ by Objective 13 : Develop an Review of AONB ecosystem services environmental bodies understanding of the evidence completed ecosystem services provided by the AONB.
105 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 6: Tranquillity - A Measures to be developed as Objective 14 : Assess current Scope and methodology of local survey landscape where part of the 2014-18 Action Plan levels of tranquillity, noise and established. tranquillity can still light pollution Assessment complete be enjoyed free from noise and visual intrusion. A Objective 15 : Ensure that Gower LCA utilised as part of the LDP landscape where LDP policy and development evidence base the beauty of the control decisions protect starlight night sky tranquillity and the night skies LDP AONB landscape policy review can still be of the AONB completed appreciated.
Number of AONB planning control Page 115 Page assessments and decisions applying AONB landscape policy/Gower AONB Design Guide SPG.
106 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 7: Recreation Proportion of Public Rights of Objective 16: To improve the See indicators Resources - a Way network that is open usable current standard and level of network of public and clearly signposted maintenance of public rights rights of way which of way so that 95% are open, is fully open, Bathing Water Directive seasonal usable and clearly signposted usable and well- Water Quality Sampling results Objective 17: To improve Number of access improvement projects maintained, and and classification access opportunities around within 1km of the Wales Coast Path and the has been improved the Wales Coast Path and the Gower Way to provide access Number of beaches with Green Gower Way for all as far as Coast or Blue Flag awards possible. Access Objective 18: Ensure that Completion of the Countryside and Rights land which is Proportion of AONB access land Access Land is available and Way Act 2000 map review.
Page 116 Page clearly identified, open and available for public publicised for its use by Maintenance of the Outdoor Wales on-Line and is available for access communities and visitors (OWoL) website use, unless subject to temporary restrictions. Objective 19: Develop a Scope of review established Beaches, which clear understanding of the Initial audit and review completed are well managed recreation activities in the for public use and AONB and around the coast meet current standards of Objective 20: Maintain high See indicators management and quality status and profile of criteria, including Gower beaches and those set by award associated facilities schemes.
107 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 8: Primary To be developed through the Objective 21: Increase the Number of farm units and area of land in Industries - an Rural Development Plan (RDP), area of the AONB under Glastir economically but could include: sustainable land management Area of common land in Glastir thriving sector where agriculture Number of active farm units is more diverse, Number of farmers (full/part time) meets modern day and employees and perceived Number of rural businesses Objective 22: Support To be developed through the RDP future appropriate and sustainable requirements and farm and rural diversification is supported by and enterprised through the agri-environment LDP and RDP
Page 117 Page schemes and diversification compatible with Objective 23: Develop To be developed through the Fisheries Local the objectives of coordinated support for the Action Group (FLAG) and RDP conservation and balanced and sustainable enhancement of growth of the local fishing the special industry. qualities of the AONB
108 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 9: Tourism - A To be developed through the Objective 24 Support the To be developed through the Destination vibrant tourism Destination Management Plan/ development of a sustainable Management Plan / Sustainable Tourism economy based on Sustainable Tourism Strategy tourism industry on Gower Strategy the principles of sustainable tourism offering a quality experience, in which the conservation and enhancement of the special qualities of the
Page 118 Page AONB, and their quiet enjoyment have top priority. A dynamic tourist industry, which creates economic benefits, and helps support community facilities and infrastructure.
109 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 10:Transport - A Objective 25 Ensure that the network and public have the information management they need to use sustainable system, which and active travel networks supports a variety and services of modes of Objective 26 Improve the Number/frequency of public transport transport to suit provision of sustainable and services community and active travel networks and Public Rights of Way measures – see 7: visitor needs in a services across the AONB Recreation Resources sustainable way, Length of safe cycle routes with a minimal Objective 27 Develop a Scope of review established impact on the better understanding of car Initial audit and review completed
Page 119 Page special qualities of parking provision, issues and the AONB. priorities across the AONB Objective 28 Maintain good Proportion of highway projects in the AONB practice highway following Highway design guide improvements across the AONB
110 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 11:Utilities and See Performance Measures Objective 29 Improve mobile Proportion of homes/businesses in AONB Communications and broadband coverage in with access to broadband - A landscape in the AONB without adversely which the needs of affecting the special qualities the utility and communication Objective 30 Reduce the Number/extent of Western Power Distribution companies, landscape and visual effects landscape improvement projects including the of the power supply network supporting on Gower infrastructure, can be accommodated Objective 31 Have a clear Proportion of utility company investment without a understanding of utility/ plans assessed for activity within the AONB
Page 120 Page detrimental impact communications investment on the landscape and infrastructure priorities and seascape that may affect the AONB
111 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 12: Development See Performance Measures Objective 32: Ensure that Progress of LDP tracked through agreed and Offshore spatial planning policies and delivery programme Activities - A development control conserve landscape in which and enhance the natural the needs of new beauty of the AONB development including the Objective 33: Improve the Number/ proportion of projects/ planning supporting quality of the built decisions applying AONB Design Guide infrastructure can environment in the AONB be accommodated Development of performance monitoring as without a recommended in ‘Delivery of Planning detrimental impact Services in Statutory Designated Page 121 Page on the landscape Landscapes in Wales 43 and seascape, and Objective 34 : Ensure where the developments outside the principles of AONB consider potential sustainable adverse effects on the AONB development are special qualities adopted
43 Land Use Consultants (2012). Delivery of Planning Services in Statutory Designated Landscapes in Wales. Research for Planning Division, Welsh Government. http://wales.gov.uk/topics/planning/planningresearch/publishedresearch/statutorylandscapes/?lang=en
112 Theme Vision / Indicators Objective Performance Measures Outcome 13: Housing, To be developed through the Objective 35 Ensure that LDP Evidence-base for affordable housing Community LDP policy addresses the affordable completed Facilities and housing needs of local Services - Thriving communities LDP affordable housing policy review diverse completed communities, which contain a range of Objective 36 Identify and To be developed through the LDP housing and facilities respond to trends in the range to meet the needs of and extent of community facilities residents and in the AONB visitors 14: Awareness See Performance Measures Objective 37: Raise the profile of To be developed through the AONB
Page 122 Page Raising and the AONB special qualities and Communications Plan Understanding - A its environmental, social and landscape which is economic value fully recognised for its special qualities Objective 38: Increase public Output data on numbers of volunteers, and, and is access to, appreciation of and training events etc as collected developed appreciated and involvement with all the special for the Gower Landscape Partnership understood by qualities of the AONB, but residents and particularly: visitors • Biodiversity • Geology • Landscape • Cultural Heritage Objective 39: Maintain public AONB Partnership meetings and events debate and involvement in AONB issues and management Gower Landscape Partnership meetings
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Page 123 114 Annex A – Consultation responses and feedback – By Chapter/Section
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE General Comments and Chapter 1: Introduction The Noted. No amendments National required. Trust
Page 124 Page
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Noted and welcomed
Noted, but the actions and monitoring programme are for the Partnership, not just the local authority. Delivery is dependent on Page 125 Page the availability of funding – either from partners existing funding or securing resources from other sources Noted and CCS will take forward with NT. No amendments required to the Plan.
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Noted and National Trust actions welcomed
Noted and National Trust added to lead partners in Action Plan for Objective 1. Page 126 Page
Issues and National Trust policy acknowledged
The Gower 1.1 line 3: 59k = 37 miles, not square miles. Delete ‘The’ before ‘59’ (line 3), as Line amended Society otherwise the whole coast appears to be Heritage Coast.
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE 1.4 %age figures for each owner would be useful information here. Added the percentage figure for the National Trust (70%) as the only figure available at this time. 1.6 Remove ‘However’, since this sentence has no logical connection with the Line amended previous one and could seem to suggest some limitation of the LPA role. In line 2, add ‘the’ before ‘continued’.
Natural We welcome the work that has been done on this review and the Draft Plan’s clear Noted. Resources focus on Actions that work towards achieving the 20 year Vision. Whilst we consider Wales that certain parts of the Plan, which is generally sound, require further work a number of these points are included in, or covered by recommendations for amendments to the Page 127 Page commitments in the Action Plan, we advise that these will need further consideration in terms of prioritisation within the Plan period. We also welcome that many of our comments on the Draft State of the AONB report consultation (August 2013) have been incorporated and find the cross referencing through use of hyperlinks a helpful feature of the Plan. It is acknowledged in para 1.18 of the Introduction that the Plan and Policy context has New paras 1.23 and 1.24 changed significantly since the 2006 plan was published. Particularly relevant, as added to outline recent stated, will be the developing City and County of Swansea Local Development Plan policy changes and current (LDP) and the recent Welsh Government legislative programme including the legislative agenda/review. Environment Bill, Planning Bill, Heritage Bill and Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill, which are currently entering the scrutiny phases, also WG Shared Outcomes and the new RDP. These will need particular consideration in future in the context of any changes that result from review of governance of designated landscapes. Reference is made at various places within the Plan to a number of these documents/policies but it would be helpful to include clear references upfront within the Planning and policy update to ensure the drivers and forces for change are identified and responding to CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE relevant key issues. It is also worth noting that a number of national planning policies have been recently updated, for example TAN 5, TAN12, TAN 16 and Planning Policy Wales. We welcome the reference to the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP), and River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) reviews. NRW recommends further integration of the ecosystem approach into the draft Plan Natural Resource following the recent work carried out by Craggatak on behalf of Natural Resources Management/Ecocyctem Wales (Ecosystem Approach for Protected Landscapes Management Plan Reviews, Services approaches to the March 2014). In particular sections 6.8 to 6.15 (p24/25) - Practice of an ecosystem AONB Management Plan approach. The draft Plan does address many of the 12 Convention on Biological are being developed in Diversity principles but it would be helpful to clearly set out how the Plan does this. collaboration with NRW We welcome the proposal to develop understanding of ecosystem services and and the other Designated benefits provided by the AONB (objective 13 p104) and the intention for an ecosystems Landscapes in Wales. This
Page 128 Page services mapping exercise in the AONB. In addition, we recommend an analysis of the work will feed into the next condition of ecosystem services in relation to the special qualities and where possible Plan review. to identify the limits of change (see Craggatak report page 24). This should be carried out during the Plan period. It may also be useful to tie in the results of the ecosystem services work above to Objective 38 Increasing Public Awareness and fully promote and publicise the services and benefits of the AONB more widely. NRW welcomes the intention to carry out an assessment of the vulnerability of the Noted. No amendments Special Qualities to climate change and that these are included in the Action Plan for required. biodiversity, geology, key landscape/seascape features as well as archaeology and built heritage. Please see our detailed comments under Chapter 4 The Vision. The evidence base for trend analysis on the condition of the Special Qualities requires To be considered as part of further work but we acknowledge that comparative data can be difficult to source. The the Natural Resource evidence for policy review needs to be clear and robust. Therefore we suggest a Management approach to pragmatic solution that an amendment be made to the Action Plan to prioritise the the next Plan review collation of updated information on the state of Gower’s special qualities in readiness for a full review of policy next time. CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Finally, we are pleased to note an action for developing a clear understanding of the Noted. No amendments recreational activities in the AONB and around the coast which will identify priority required. issues for planning and management (with an initial review and audit completed) and the action for engaging with the RDP and Glastir opportunities as well as collaborative work on strategic wildfire protection and prevention initiatives for the Gower Commons Para 1.16 (p7) Fourth bullet point. NRW were also consulted and provided a response NRW added to the State of the AONB consultation in September 2013. Para 1.18 It is noted that the Plan and Policy context has changed significantly since Noted and amendments the 2006 plan was published, with updates inserted. However, please see general detailed elsewhere comments above re additional policy and plan drivers It is suggested that the introduction includes specific reference to Gower being an To be considered as part of economic, environmental and social asset of national importance. With economic the Natural Resource Page 129 Page challenges, new approaches & synergies will be needed in line with the ecosystem Management approach to approach and we recommend this is reflected in the Action Plan. We would also the next Plan review welcome further emphasis on the emerging Wellbeing agenda and natural resource management planning Para 1.21 It would also be helpful to state (currently text box to be removed from the Inserted final version) that the Gower AONB Design Guide has been adopted as SPG and to provide a hyperlink. We welcome the reference to Heritage Coast, but recommend that a definition is New paragraph 1.8 to provided and clarification as to whether the aims of the Heritage coast are covered by address the Plan Chapter 2 Resources Natural We note that this chapter is essentially an update to the Draft State of the AONB report See specific responses in Resources and support the renaming as “Biodiversity” for Special Quality 1 (formerly “Wildlife”) BOLD CAPITALS in the Wales Biodiversity Comments column Natural Para 2.7 It is noted that the LBAP will be cross referenced rather than summarised Resources here. It may however be helpful to provide an update in para 2.7 of the Policy context CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Wales and review and then within the Current Trends to perhaps summarise some of the key trends or any areas of focussed research/management effort. SEE 2.11. 2.11 A link could be considered for a Section 42 list (species) for Gower if a breakdown is available. NOT AVAILABLE 2.12 Suggest para 1 amend first sentence to state “have core management plans” rather than “site management plans” and para 2 last sentence “The Relevant Authorities Group has developed a draft management Scheme for the site” AMENDED This section could provide some of the summary issues currently affecting biological SACs/SSSI in a similar way to that for geological sites e.g. over/under grazing, scrub encroachment, sustainable management of common land and management of invasive/non-native species. INSERTED 2.15 Crassula helmsii is known from Broadpool and rhododendron is also present in
Page 130 Page some woodlands and on the edge of commons. INSERTED 2.19 could consider adding monitoring/mapping known distribution or key areas of INNS. INSERTED Geology Amended 2.20 – slight amendment to bullet point 2 “Quaternary deposits and landforms e.g. solifluction terraces overlying small remnants of ‘raised beaches’, cave sediments with associated fossils” Landscape Amended We recommend that more use be made of two key data sources for the AONB: LANDMAP and the Landscape Character Area report for Gower. For example p21 Current and Future Trends: Landscape notes that Change Detection data is already available for Gower in Landmap. Visual and Sensory will be updated 2015 and landscape habitats in 2016. Therefore with Landmap updates being rolled out over the Plan period, it is possible to specify updating all 5 layers of Landmap for completion by the end of the Plan period (suggest add to objective 8 p 103).
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE It is also suggested that indicators make better use of the SWOT analysis in the LCA study 2.34 Welcome commitment to revised photomonitoring programme that will build on experience in other protected landscapes (we emphasise the points made previously in our State of the AONB response) Seascape Noted. Comments Although categorised under ‘natural’, 'seascapes' is a mix of natural, cultural and superseded as NRW and perceptual factors. AONB Partnership are We note an appropriate monitoring methodology for seascape needs to be considered working on a Seascape and developed. We note the baseline assessment being used is the 2009 one, which Assessment for Gower although not incorrect, is likely to be superseded during the life of the new plan by seascape character assessments, both the national scale one being done for the Page 131 Page marine plan and the intended local scale one mentioned as proposed in the consultation document Water Quality Within this section NRW should be referred to as the competent authority with regard to All suggestions water quality/WFD issues incorporated 2.99 Bathing water is subject to influences outside of the AONB – particularly discharges from the nearby conurbations (Swansea and Llanelli). The section conflates WFD and Bathing Water Directive issues. The following is a suggested amendment: Over recent years, huge improvements have been made to the quality, frequency and regulation of point source discharges into bathing waters. Further improvements may be needed in order to meet the requirements of the revised Bathing Water Directive. This is likely to involve actions and initiatives tackling more diffuse/cumulative pollution sources e.g. from agricultural diffuse pollution and septic tanks. Work is ongoing to understand and address these issues. 2.100 (Groundwater) Plans for further development outside the sewered areas in Gower is often accompanied by pressure to allow the proliferation of septic tank and CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE package plant sewage treatment systems. In limestone areas this carries a significant risk of pollution to groundwater. 2.101 Monitoring and indicators addition: Bathing Water quality of designated Bathing Waters, WFD compliance (including shellfish waters compliance) Para 2.128 – identifies that recreational usage may already be changing in the AONB – No data available apart is data available and does this form part of monitoring? Has this identified any potential from increase in visitor or existing conflicts and management issues that require specific actions? numbers. AONB to take forward with As a general comment we consider the potential monitoring and indicators for all the NRW re. provision, issues access & recreation objectives could be strengthened and we would be pleased to and monitoring. discuss further. The Plan is also limited on access to inland water where relevant and No plan amendments
Page 132 Page higher rights of access (horse-riding etc.) We would be happy to discuss this further. required Para 2.128 – it would be helpful to explain role of LAFs Additional line added in 2.130 Para 2.136 - need to be clear the right of access is on foot only. Also need to be clear Amended where any higher rights/ permissive access apply. Para 2.138 sentence needs to reflect fact that the maps have now been published. Amended and web-link to maps included. Para 2.139 – suggest change to 'A large proportion of access land is owned or Amended managed by the NT……' as it currently implies that NT land is publicly owned
Para 2.142 - change to 'extent and accessibility of access land' as not all access land is Amended publicly owned. Natural 2.151 Designation of further bathing Waters could be considered and is welcomed by To be taken forward with Resources NRW. NRW. Wales
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE GGAT Where there are proposals for improving historic assets including listed buildings, 2.77 amended consultation should be made with Cadw; the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Wales and GGAT. The archaeological research framework for Wales Noted http://www.archaeoleg.org.uk/intro.html guides research and understanding for the archaeology and cultural history of Wales; any proposed works or projects should take the current aims and framework into consideration. The visual impact of various developments on the setting of Scheduled Ancient Noted Monuments, the Registered Landscape, Registered Parks and Gardens, and Listed Buildings, is also a consideration in the planning process. Other elements that are likely to impact (both adversely and beneficially) on the 2.50 extended to archaeological resource are: agricultural & forestry works (turf growing for sale, incorporate comments Page 133 Page ploughing, drainage, creation of caravan & camping sites with services and hardstanding, planting & felling); public access arrangements such as footpaths and open country (information boards, erosion – including cycling/vehicular off-roading, vandalism and theft) can change the numbers visiting archaeologically sensitive sites. Historic mineral extraction sites are now recorded on the HER; and potential issues surrounding coal bed methane and gasification may impact on some of these or other historic assets. Some utilities work in Gower has required archaeological mitigation – Cefn Bryn undergrounding, recently – and the impact of cabling, poles and masts is considered. Climate change may also have an effect regarding erosion or damage to peats and dune systems, much of which contain archaeological remains and fragile palaeoenvironmental evidence The Gower 2.13 The 20 SSSIs should be described as having ‘biological and Line amended Society geological/geomorphological features’, otherwise the other 6 that have ‘only geo. features’ appear as less important.
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE 2.17 Ash trees are very important to Gower – the 2006 AONB Management Plan Paragraph amended to stated that there were 67(?) ash tree sites in the AONB. raise the profile/ significance of ash in the Gower landscape. The 2006 Plan refers to 67 ancient woodland sites – not necessarily ‘ash tree sites’. 2.23 The SWOL project appears to have had little real impact and waste depositing is Noted, but no amendment continuing. required to the Plan 2.29 LANDMAP is an important tool, but only so long as it is kept up-to-date. If this is Noted, but no amendment done, it will be valuable not only to assess but to monitor landscape character. required to the Plan.
Page 134 Page NRW have been undertaking a LANDMAP landscape monitoring /update exercise. 2.30 The AONB Design Guide and the Lighting Guide are important and welcome Noted, but no amendment developments. They will not become effective, however, until they become embedded required to the Plan. in the consciousness of the LPA, officers and councillors. 2.33 Photomonitoring is important, but will be wasted unless it is repeated on a Aerial surveys conducted regular basis and the results are compared. The same is true of aerial photographs. by Gower Society detecting Little, if any, use appears to have been made of aerial surveys provided by The Gower landuse change in a Society over the last eight years. development control context, not to detect landscape change. Agree photomonitoring should be repeat to a consistent and comparable CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE standard; experience in other AONBs suggest every 5 years would be sufficient 2.36 The Welsh Seascapes assessment is valuable not only in assessing the No amendment to the Plan sensitivity, but also in examining the impact of coastal and near coastal development. necessary. 2.48 Cadw’s Conservation Principles are worthy, as is their encouragement of local No amendment to the Plan authorities. They will be in vain, however, if not acted on. necessary.
2.51 This is a direct copy of para. 2.23. One of the two should be deleted. 2.51 deleted
2.53 It is not clear here whether ‘local lists’ are being noted or recommended for Paragraph amended to Page 135 Page Gower. identify Local Lists may be a way forward for identifying locally important heritage assets –as they have been used in other protected landscapes. Not a recommendation 2.56 No indicators are given here and no frequency of monitoring, nor how adverse Monitoring reliant on using conditions will be mitigated existing reporting/ 2.64 See comment above monitoring systems. To be taken forward with Historic Environment partners. No amendment to the Plan necessary. 2.68 How does the LA intend to encourage sympathetic management of parks and There are other partners gardens? It may already be too late at Stouthall. with a role to encourage CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE sympathetic management of parks and gardens. The AONB Partnership - through a Sustainable Development Fund grant – has supported Carreg Adventures at Stouthall, including the intention to “restore much of the grounds of the former estate to better reflect their listing in the Register of
Page 136 Page Landscapes, Parks and Gardens.” No amendment to the Plan necessary. 2.71 Why, in the period 2006 – 2014 has no information […on condition of Registered No information has been Parks and Gardens] been gathered? gathered because there is no requirement/ mechanism to do so. No amendment to the Plan necessary. 2.80 If Conservation Areas in the AONB are ‘unlikely to be reviewed for a number of Resources and years’, the LPA will be working on statements some fifty years out of date. need/priority for Conservation Area appraisals/ management plans to be taken forward under Actions for Objective CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE 9. No amendments to the Plan necessary. 2.84 What is the LA intending to do about this? See above. No amendments to the Plan necessary. 2.96 An increase of one river out of fourteen to achieve good ecological status by The Table identifies that all 2027 seems an unacceptably low target. 14 River Waterbodies are required to achieve ‘Good’ status – 7 by 2015 and 7 by 2027. No amendments to the Plan necessary. Page 137 Page 2.110 Remove ‘a’ between ‘also’ and ‘relevant’ Line amended 2.111 How does the LA intend to assess these trends and their effects? Unless significant issues become apparent, LA has no intention to assess these trends No amendments to the Plan necessary. 2.113 – 2.124 The Lighting Guide is an important first step, but it needs to be strictly Noted, but no amendments implemented. Private infringements, security lights etc are a continuing problem but to the Plan considered para 2.122 seems excessively complacent. Caravan sites are becoming more necessary. residential and more lit up. 2.150 The licence to dredge Helwick Bank was renounced by LSDL in exchange for Noted; beaches levels/ changed permissions on the Nobel Bank. No future licence for this area should be profiles are monitored issued. Beach levels should continue to be monitored. through the Shoreline Management Plan. No amendments to the Plan CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE considered necessary. Chapter 3 Activities and Pressures GGAT 3.62 Onwards – development. This is monitored by GGAT Archaeological Planning as Noted the Archaeological Advisors to City & County of Swansea.
Vision Statements: 4: Cultural Heritage (particularly policies CH1 and CH2 and Support welcomed and Objectives 8 & 9): We support this Statement, and others where the archaeological reference on p.104 resource, including Landscape, is linked (Objectives 38). amended. The “Theme and Vision” on p104: HER should read Historic Environment Record. Natural 3.1 We note that the activities and pressures reflect the social and economic aspects of Para added on Resources the AONB, however there appears to be little information on the actual population Wales demographics of Gower and how this may inform trend analysis. Page 138 Page Agriculture 3.7Year added (2013). No 3.7 Need to indicate the date to which the Glastir update figures apply. It will be useful Glastir commons on Gower to get a figure close to final date for publishing the Plan, including Glastir Commons as of this date. It may be helpful to give a little more background on the Gower Commons Initiative, its 3.9 Regulations now partners and running dates (also for “Life in Common”) and to reference how the issues referenced are carried forward in current Plan. 3.16 and 3.18 altered 3.9 Should this include a reference to the EIA (Agriculture) Regulations? 3.16 Millwood also includes mixed woodland 3.18 European biodiversity importance (Special Areas of Conservation)
Tourism Title amended, but Suggest Tourism (3.27) be renamed Tourism and Recreation, as the two are closely considered is clear that linked, especially in terms of impacts and opportunities. The Plan could be clearer on both tourism and whether it is just the tourism-related or other recreation that are pressures. recreational pressures are CCS may wish in future to consider applying for the European Charter for Sustainable adequately referenced Tourism a benchmark that some other protected landscapes have achieved. European Charter status is CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE still a consideration, but needs to be considered as part of the wider context, particularly the DMP. Climate Change Para 3.55 We welcome the commitment to completing a vulnerability assessment for Noted. See response to the special qualities of the AONB. Please refer to detailed comments for Chapter 4 detailed comments below below Development AONB Partnership to Should this section include Renewable energy development generally, update/ finalise renewable energy guidance e.g. small scale renewable energy proposals such as solar policy advice to LPA Swansea 3.32 The principle of developing Sustainable Tourism is very much endorsed and the Additional text added to Page 139 Page Bay encouragement of walking holidays/days out needs to be more actively encouraged. 3.32 Sustainable Public transport has the particular advantage of reducing the impact of traffic pollution, Travel & congestion, shortage of parking spaces but more positively, makes linear (particularly) Tourism coastal walks easier and can deliver visitors staying in Swansea (where the majority of Partnership accommodation is) benefits of easy access to Gower without their cars. (Baytrans) Cycling is more difficult to promote as there are few ‘safe’ roads in Gower and even fewer alternatives other than the incomplete north Gower cycle route. 3.34 Whilst endorsing the policy of not widening or improving Gower roads in general, Additional text added in I must point out the fairly regular difficulties experienced mainly around Parkmill and 3.35 to note this issue. Kilvrough when buses interact with cars/caravans, motor homes, freight vehicles and Potential solutions under coaches causing severe delays. The introduction of traffic control on a part time basis consideration by Highways would help solve this without detriment to the environment. 3.36 The Gower Explorer bus network continues to serve the peninsula Additional text added in comprehensively with recent economies at the margins (mainly evenings). The 3.36 to note this issue. continuing reductions in public funding for buses represent a future threat to this fine network and a positive plan to protect, grow and further improve this is essential. AONB Team to discuss CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Sunday services have been provided with RDP funding for the past four years following with Baytrans the issue of earlier bus funding cutbacks and there is currently no future plan for their continuance. minimum standard for bus Again, this needs to be addressed in an overall development plan. stop infrastructure Bus stop infrastructure is often sub-standard, visually intrusive and impacts on the visitor environment (similar to car park comments below). Investments to get an AONB minimum standard as applies in some National Parks is needed. 3.37 & 3.40 Thanks for the reference to the work BayTrans continues to do in Noted. No amendments promoting public transport for outdoor recreation. required to the plan 3.38 Whilst the 1990’s recommendations have been implemented in regard to public Additional text added in transport, note as above that there is a constant threat to its continuance at a viable 3.38 to note this issue level and the issue needs revisiting with a new development plan. 3.39 The visual appearance and upkeep of car parks is generally very sub-standard Noted already in 3.39 and Page 140 Page in Gower. They disfigure the environment and impact poorly on the visitor experience. to be looked at in the Action Plan (Objective 27) 3.42 Some linkage between Gower’s fine ROW network, bus routes and bus stop Agreed, additional text infrastructure would be helpful to reinforce the development of sustainable added in 3.43 to highlight tourism based on walking. these issues 3.43 The Coast Path is a fine initiative which appears to be attracting more visitors. Noted There are some issues over signing which I’ve noticed and drawn attention to particularly for walkers arriving by bus. Signage from key bus stops would be an advantage. 3.44 The linkage between train and bus at Gowerton is very sub-standard and some Noted and comments appropriate signage would be helpful. forwarded on. No amendments required to the plan 3.47 The number of mobile ‘black spots’ on Gower is a cause of concern to public Agreed, additional text transport users in the event of delays or cancellations to bus services when it becomes added in 3.48 to highlight difficult to phone for information or help. Improvements in coverage are urgently these issues CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE needed. The general thrust is fine but I note that the support given in 2006 was followed shortly Difficult to commit given after by cutbacks in public transport provision. You should include a policy that commits ongoing finance situation. to protecting a seven day a week comprehensive public transport coverage in Gower. AONB can support/ highlight the value of continuing a seven day service It is noted in the policies on communications is that they have been substantially Noted. No amendments beefed-up since 2006. A similar approach should be taken with transport. required to the plan Similar comments apply through to the Action Plan. Finally, to confirm that BayTrans will continue its programme of support for the development of public transport in Gower in future years Page 141 Page The Gower LDP Draft that shows additional housing on Gower. Society I am rather concerned about the housing that has been shown and the rather short Comments passed on to sighted assumption that this is going to be taken up by locals rather than importing LDP consultation for more people from Swansea. Whilst this is a most laudable aim I have to pose the consideration. question as to where all of these people are going to work? If houses are to be constructed to serve individual needs then I can accept this but if we are going to Issues re. sewerage have encourage more and more people to travel into Swansea then it can not be right. also been highlighted by I will not tackle the arguments made in the Partnership Meetings but rented housing is NRW response (Annex B). the only way of keeping houses in the market for young people ie social housing. Amendments/additions The additional housing at Scurlage, Port Eynon, Bury Green will impact upon the included under Water sewerage system and treatment that is already overloaded. Water supply is also not Quality section. that guaranteed and I write as an ex Welsh Water Area Manager. Possibly more could be added on these aspects? Utilities and Communications We have tackled the removal of overhead cables in key landscape locations and we Agreed and retained in should continue with this. We know that the mobile phone system is not brilliant on Action Plan under CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Gower. Additional masts are talked of in the press today and we must try to ensure that Objective 30. these are not 'plonked' in key landscape locations. We should even consider the false Objective 29 and relevant tree approach for certain masts. actions address this issue Future Energy Requirements (not certain where you put this but I will plough on Renewable energy advice below) Future overhead cables are covered above. We now consider the various is being finalised by the alternative energy and 'renewable' schemes that are now a big issue. We have the AONB Partnership special Sub Committee recommendations that will eventually hit your desk but I list the following : wind generation - Apart from small single house schemes that are low level, unobtrusive, low noise I think that they should not be allowed within the AONB. Larger schemes outside the AONB and in off shore locations can have a detrimental effect upon the landscape. Those that damage the AONB should be opposed.
Page 142 Page Solar panels - Individual roof schemes should be allowed (although I think that listed buildings and conservation areas should be regulated). Larger schemes for farm buildings should be generally encouraged as long as each is assessed for the visual impact on the landscape. Individual small ground mounted domestic schemes should be encouraged as long as they are not impacting upon the landscape. Large commercial schemes should not be allowed within the AONB and schemes that impact upon the landscape outside the AONB should be assessed on an individual basis. There are two different types of panel. Completely black and very unobtrusive as well as others that have aluminium self coloured frames and elements that are certainly more obtrusive. IN MY OPINION WE HAVE MISSED A CHANCE TO SPECIFY THE DARKER COLOURED ONES FOR THE AONB. Tidal lagoons, barrages and tidal flow -To be considered as and when they are proposed. AONB team to discuss with 3.23-3.24 Public digging of shellfish (e.g. at Oxwich Bay) could deplete natural NRW and CCS Nature populations. This appears to be neither monitored nor controlled. Conservation Team – No amendments to the CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Plan considered necessary at this time 3.5 Pick Your Own has reduced over recent years Line amended 3.8 Solar panel farming will, if allowed, have a greater negative impact on the Noted, but solar energy landscape than a modest amount of plastic sheeting. issues dealt with in Development Section. No amendments to the Plan considered necessary. 3.16 – 3.22 An additional pressure on woodland is the increasing popularity of wood as Noted, but no information a household fuel. that this is having any significant effect. No amendments to the Plan Page 143 Page considered necessary. 3.24 There may be opportunity for increased fishing activity.(Gordon’s 3.26 seems to Noted, but no amendments be covered now in 3.26.) to the Plan considered necessary. 3.28 A not insignificant proportion of the bedstock is taken up by local people, as Paragraph amended to ‘second homes’ / ‘weekend caravans’ rather than by tourists from out of the area. register this point 3.30 The negative visual impact of static caravan sites could be mitigated by the Noted, although this detail simple expedient of introducing supplementary Planning Guidance requiring static needs to be considered in caravans to be finished in a recessive colour. Landscaping could also be effective. the context of the actions for achieving Objective 33. No amendments to the Plan considered necessary 3.38 (line 6) replace ‘1990’s’ with ‘1990s’ Line amended 3.39 Many car parks are a very poor advert for Gower or quality tourism. Noted, but no amendments to the Plan considered necessary. CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE 3.63 The AONB Design Guide is welcome, but it is imperative that it be implemented Issue for LPA more strictly and more consistently than at present. implementation rather than for the Plan. 3.64 Position, materials and colour can strongly affect the impact on the landscape of Issue for LPA agricultural buildings and the LPA must use the Design Guide principles to ensure that implementation rather than negative impact is kept to a minimum. The LPA must ensure that a proposed building is for the Plan. necessary and that, once built, it is used for the approved purpose. 3.68 Where ‘affordable housing’ is to be permitted, a watertight scheme must be in Issue for LPA place to ensure that it remains ‘affordable’ and does not enter the general housing implementation rather than market. for the Plan. Chapter 4 The Visio n and Chapter 5 The Strategy The Discuss with NT re. Page 144 Page National Rhossili. Amend 2.114 to Trust make specific ref to Rhossili. National Trust added as lead partner to Action Plan for Objective 20 Action Plan for Objectives 18&19 amended to include the Trust. Action 21(3) amended to broaden scope and include more partners including National Trust
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Noted and National Trust added as a lead partner to Objective 27
Support noted and welcome. Specified aspects in Objective 38 Page 145 Page relate to the special qualities of the AONB so not considered appropriate to add climate change at this point. However, climate change must be a key aspect of engaging with the public in the achievement of objective 38 and 39 Natural We note the explanation provided in the consultation draft, including the Annex 2 report Resources on progress with objectives and actions from the 2006 Plan. Most of these points are Wales Theme 1 Biodiversity addressed through the The objectives don’t appear to mention the update to fully integrate and take account of Action Plan. the review of Swansea LBAP as per annex 2 “Comments and objectives/actions to carry forward” column? 5.17 has been amended to Theme 4 Cultural Heritage include built heritage Could also consider historic assets (non- scheduled), in recognition of locally important CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE heritage Para 5.17 Could specify character of Built heritage as this would support landscape theme The theme includes Landscapes Parks and Gardens – suggest add policy to cover this and also an objective for the Register of Historic Landscapes parks and Gardens or include in existing objectives We note some of the above may be covered later in the Plan
Theme 5 Natural Resources Details and contacts noted and to be taken forward as Objective 12 - we note the action to review soil and land quality data across the AONB part of action. We would suggest a reference to The Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) and the fact that
Page 146 Page Wales’s data is held by Welsh Government - contact: Ian Rugg, Natural Resources - Land, Nature and Forestry Division - [email protected] .
The ALC England & Wales map can be found at: http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6172638548328448?category=59 54148537204736 For further sources of information we would suggest you may wish to contact our Soils and Land use advisor [email protected] .
The UK Soil Observatory (UKSO) is also a valuable source of soils information. http://www.ukso.org/home.html
Potential monitoring and indicators eg Soil sealing/land take considerations - resulting in loss of soil multi functionality and its ability to provide ecosystem services.
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Theme 6 Tranquillity Objective 14 whilst the proposal is welcomed to “Develop and undertake Noted, although it would be baseline/monitoring approaches for tranquillity/dark sky” is welcomed this would be helpful to have a standard something we would view CCS leading on as we don’t have a joint project at the approach to this across current time. The BBNP have done some work on this and may be useful advisors protected landscapes in Wales The Gower 4.2 While the current Vision does not ‘give sufficient recognition’ to climate change, The Plan is not suggesting Society it is complacent to suggest, by implication,that nothing needs to be done for the next nothing needs to be done five years. There are increasing pressures for windfarms, solar farms, fracking etc to in the next five years. mitigate any possible climate change effects. There needs to be a vision or a policy to There are a series of deal with these increasing pressures. policies, objectives and actions over the current Page 147 Page plan period to give a more informed consideration of climate change in the next plan review. The pressures identified are development pressures identified and considered elsewhere in the Plan. No amendments proposed to the Plan. How many of the policies and objectives identified have been realised in the first eight Page 68 and Annex 2 of years (i.e. 40%) of the 20-year vision? How many of the management issues the draft Plan presented an highlighted in the objectives have been a) identified; b) addressed in the last eight analysis of completed years? objectives/actions from the 2006 Plan, which informed the development of the CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE draft Plan. No amendments proposed to the Plan. 5.12 Visual surveys of distinctive landscape features are essential if change is to be The Review considered monitored. Why has the current LS3 been omitted from the new Plan? LS3 to be an action rather than a policy. LS3 will taken forward as part of LS2 and Objective 7. No amendments proposed to the Plan. 5.34 The Gower Way should be treated in the same way as the Coast Path. Plan amended to include the Gower Way 5.45 Add: ‘Signage for tourism facilities should be appropriate to its situation in an Not a policy. No amended Page 148 Page AONB.’ proposed. 5.52 Better car parking provision is important as well as the understanding of the Line amended provision. 5.53 Highway improvements should also consider the appropriateness of signage in Agreed and already the AONB. covered in the Highways Good Practice Guide. No amendments proposed to the Plan. Chapter 6 The Action Plan Wildlife Just to let you know I have read through the draft document and have no comments to WTSWW added as lead Trust of make really. A very minor one might be that it would be nice to see WTSWW listed as a partner as requested South and partner for objective 38! West Wales The Gower Chapter 6 There is a lot of emphasis throughout many sections of the Action Plan on Looking forward to working Society evaluating, reviewing, reporting, providing evidence bases, consulting, assessing, with Gower Society and updating, prioritising, mapping and monitoring – but much less emphasis on practical rest of AONB Partnership CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE action to achieve the objectives. Continual review is important, but nearly half-way in implementing practical through the 20-year plan, more action should be taking place. … actions Chapter 7: Monitoring The Gower Chapter 7 Monitoring is essential, yet, after eight years, important areas such as Monitoring/performance Society Tourism (Theme 9) appears to have no indicators and no performance measures. No measures often dependent methodology is given for monitoring sometimes complex outcomes. A number of the on using information objectives under other themes are similarly undeveloped. already been collected elsewhere. There is an opportunity to develop these in the current Plan period. Annual reports to the AONB Partnership are promised, but it would be very useful to Page 68 and Annex 2 of Page 149 Page summarise how many of the objectives of the 2006 Plan have been fully or partly the draft Plan present an achieved; and where they have not, why they have not been achieved and what is to analysis of completed be done about it. Indeed, this should have been the starting point for this second Plan objectives/actions from the 2006 Plan, which has informed the development of the draft Plan. No amendments proposed to the Plan. In the end, the success or failure of the AONB Management depends not just on fine We will work with Gower words, but on ACTIONS. The Plan shows that the heart and mind are in the right place, Society and rest of AONB but the pig isn’t fattened by measuring it. Partnership to implement practical actions We recognise the financial restrictions, but there are some important changes that can Noted, but no amendments be made free of any cost - e.g. strictly adhering to the Design Code and introducing a proposed to the Plan. colour scheme for static caravans – that will go a long way towards protecting and enhancing the AONB. CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE GENERAL COMMENTS/RESPONSES Mr J Glad to be included in this consultation. A site specific issue that Matthews However I feel a lot of this is pointless. has been investigated by I did copy you in on our issue with a beautiful wildlife corridor in Llanmorlais. officers and no further According to AONB management and all the policies and circulars that are out there to action required. conserve and protect the environment, if someone sees fit to do major clearance there No amendments proposed is nothing to prevent this. Development yes, possibly, but clearance work removing to the plan habitat and trees , no. Mark winder sent me an overview of Sinc sites in the area, even a large are of this has had clearance work.There is nothing to protect it and nothing I can see that can prevent clearance work in the future. Very frustrating. Mr P Wales Gower has turned into a bit of a museum rather than a vibrant and living landscape Affordable/Social housing which I'm sure is not what the plan hopes to achieve. I have always been interested in identified as in issue in the
Page 150 Page housing issues so my comments are primarily in regard to diversity of income and Plan. Objective 35 of the availability of affordable homes; property prices in the Gower Coastal area are very plan seeks to ensure that high, effectively excluding poorer people and its particularly difficult for young people LDP policy addresses who may be forced to leave and commute back to work. So with this in mind look at affordable housing needs designating land for socially owned homes in all areas of the Gower. of local communities. Comment forwarded on to the LDP team.No amendments proposed to the plan. Mr David Thank you very much for the opportunity to read the 137 pages of the above document Noted and welcomed. No Atwell which I found comprehensive and most interesting. I was encouraged to believe that amendments proposed to the AONB would continue to be well managed. The presence of the document and the plan reference to it provide an informed framework for the LDP. With best wishes to you as you take this all forward. Dr D Regretfully, I believe that responding to your 'Public Consultation' would be a complete A site specific issue Bembo waste of time and energy as I have no confidence that the Council actually gives a relating to the grant of CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE monkey's what its Council Tax payers think. planning permission. I and a large number of other local residents have recently voiced significant concerns No amendments proposed over a residential development in Bishopston (White Knight Gardens). I subsequently to the plan received zero feedback from the Council. It also came to light that numerous meetings had taken place between Council staff and representatives of the property developers in question. More recently, I have seen the diggers move in and start work on that site, causing irreversible damage to the community. This demonstrates a complete disregard for local perspectives.
Mike In relation to the above, the only comment I have to make is that no reference is made Document now referenced Harvey to the Supplementary Planning Guidance on Community Safety. I would ask that in 3.63 Page 151 Page Crime consideration be given for this document to be referenced. Prevention Design Advisor South Wales Police Mr John The only comment I have regarding the new plan is; how can CCS override AONB Developmetn is controlled Cooper policies with development proposals? In particular the outline PP granted for the through LDP policies. The hotel/flats inside the AONB which includes the headland behind Mumble pier and now AONB Management Plan a proposal to be included in the LDP for development to be allowed inside the AONB does not over-ride the LDP, on the fields above the cliff at Thistleboon. It seems that the Mumbles end of Gower is but is expected to give a overlooked but I see it as important as any development allowed at this end not only clear indication of how LDP nibbles away at the AONB but also sets a precedent that can be used as a lever in policy should address other areas. development issues in the AONB (1.20) CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE MR A R As somebody who has an interest in Gower, I am concerned with the number of Ash Die-Back disease and Jones diseases in trees in Wales and you might like to consider in the plan, options that could other biosecurity Private be employed to help combat the spread of disease and the planting of trees and shrubs referenced in 3.21 and individual which are resistant that would maintain tree cover on the peninsula . This is important 2.18. AONB Team to visually and also for habitat for many species. Hope this comment could be useful review current policy and when in discussion with your partners. implications for Gower. Professor SUMMARY Welcome these supportive Jim The CCS is to be congratulated on producing a comprehensive revised Management statements. No action Atkinson Plan. A key concept coming through the document is sustainability and to achieve this required Pennard across all headings will be a difficult balance between conflicting interests. My detailed comments address some of these issues, particularly those relating to tourism, environment, rural development and infrastructure.
Page 152 Page 1. It is encouraging to see such a comprehensive document and the way in which it has been systematically revised since the previous 2006 Management Plan 2. Conservation and enhancement of landscape and conservation and enhancement of biodiversity, protected habitats and species are key concepts and are also legal requirements under both national and European legislation. Achieving these goals will be the challenge of the Management Plan which commendably itemises threats to quality of life, environment and landscape. 3. A key concept coming through the document is sustainability and to achieve this across all headings will be an often difficult balance between conflicting interests. Some of these are commented on below.
4. The outstanding scenic and beach attractions of the AONB attract a large Largely supportive number of visitors (over 4 million visit the CCS’s jurisdiction with many exploring the statement. Agree that there AONB) with a high proportion of these citing coast, scenery, natural beauty and are issues from large tranquillity as the main attractors. Visitors are good for the local economy and have numbers of visitors in the enabled local enterprises to diversify to meet visitor needs. However, it is noted that most popular areas. CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE visitor impact was viewed as the greatest threat to Gower in the 2001 Impact Survey: Intention is that plan the draft AONB document as well as personal observations suggests that this is still the actions will consider case. Visitor impact is mainly concentrated on the tourist beaches where there are responses to manage good facilities for parking vehicles near to beaches sometimes combined with large these e.g. actions for caravan or camping sites, and often with nearby access to toilets, shops, cafes and Objective 20 – Preparation other facilities. Other areas that require a bit of effort to reach are much less impacted and implementation of and are havens for wildlife. These areas are appreciated by those taking advantage of beach management plans. the coastal path or who are prepared to walk some distance from the nearest car park or bus stop. The excellent network of footpaths across Gower appear to be used increasingly and give access to the less explored inner parts of the AONB. Careful management is required to promote the natural environment while minimising visitor impacts. Greater use of on-site visitor centres or on-site information boards Page 153 Page could help here. Regrettably, many visitors still leave their rubbish on the beach, some of which have no bins available (e.g. Rhossili). Some thought should go into remedying this. 5. There are few regions where so many National Nature Reserves, SACs, SSSIs, Agree with all of these SPAs, SINCS and other areas of wildlife or geological significance are concentrated in statements so small an area as that covered by the Gower AONB. The avifauna and maritime flora are particularly rich, as is the marine biota. Many rare species occur, very rare in the case of some of the flora. The plants support a rich invertebrate fauna including many butterflies, moths, and bee species, essential agents of pollination. It is well established that the key to conserving species is conserving habitat. The grazed commons, extensive dune systems, small to medium farms with largely traditional agricultural practices, uplands, grasslands, woodlands and wetlands that form a mosaic of habitats within Gower are essential to its ecological richness. Management of some of these areas is the direct responsibility of the CCS, others are devolved to other bodies. The challenge within the AONB is a joined-up approach which encourages access but manages it to reduce ecological disturbance. People CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE need to experience wild places in order to appreciate them and the latter is helped if information on the significance of various sites and their fauna and flora is available to visitors. There is some information already available but more could be done in this area and the AONB Management Plan could help here. The Swansea Local Biodiversity Action Plan and Countryside Action Plan are useful springboards. Ecotourism is an expanding industry worldwide: some already occurs within the AONB and there is potential for expansion provided it is done by suitably trained personnel. 6. Rural areas often suffer from depopulation in favour of towns and cities – a Agree with all of these national trend. Properties in much of Gower are expensive and not conducive to statements encouraging young working families to settle there. The LDP is therefore correct in concentrating on areas where affordable housing can be provided, which will enhance local communities. The CCS Unitary Development Plan (UDP) Local Development
Page 154 Page Plan (LDP) are informed by the needs of the AONB, this providing supplementary planning guidance. Of the LDP it is stated that “the protection of the natural beauty of the AONB will however remain the primary policy consideration in the main AONB plan”. It further states that “LDP is a critical aspect in the maintenance of the AONB’s special qualities in that it is through the LDP that development is controlled.” It is therefore encouraging to see that the stated principles for access to infrastructure facilities, affordability and environmental sensitivity appear to have been applied in the selection of sites under the emerging LDP, and that sites that do not meet these criteria have been rejected. It remains necessary to deal with any housing or commercial developments within the AONB with great care, especially those adjacent to the heritage coast and its adjacent maritime and near-coastal habitat. The impact here is not only on ecology, but on aesthetics. The Gower coast is the jewel in its crown. Areas of it are already overdeveloped or developed insensitively, out of keeping with the surrounding architecture. It is encouraging to see the AONB indicates that thought should also be given to the landscape when viewed from the sea. Thankfully, most of Gower is not overdeveloped. It should not aspire to be what it is not but should CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE capitalise on what it is and strive to maintain its largely unspoiled character. People who want something else have plenty of choice elsewhere. Insensitive development brings noise pollution, light pollution and landscape and ecological degradation. 7. At a time of political austerity, it is a challenge for the CCS to maintain services Agree with all of these and infrastructure support to rural communities. However, the maintenance of such statements services is essential to the sustainability of these communities. Without them tourism aspirations, encouragement of new working settlers, the continued existence of local shops, and the long-term future of rural communities are all compromised. 8. The CCS is to be congratulated on producing a comprehensive Management Agree with all of these Plan for the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The ‘proof of the pudding’ will statements be in its ‘eating’ – the implementation of the plan. Gower has a rich cultural heritage. It also has a remarkable landscape and coastline, rich in biodiversity and with large areas Page 155 Page which are substantially unspoiled by human impact. It would be a tragedy if future historians and ecologists reported on the loss of that heritage and the demise of the pristine nature of much of the peninsula. Prof. As Chairman of the CMS Consortium I am writing to you regarding the request for AONB Team to discuss Dennis feedback on the 2014 Draft Gower AONB Management Plan. The Consortium is a not with CMS consortium. No Bellamy for profit group of UK GOs and NGOs that came together in the late 1980s to develop a amendments to Plan CMS management system (CMS) for nature conservation. The CMS was originally required Consortium envisaged as a tool to help create habitat and species management plans. In this context it is a database/GIS tool which enables central reporting on performance indicators from operational plans. We now wish to develop a CMS to serve the wider purpose of tracking multi-themed outcomes. This appears to be the direction you are taking with the Gower plan and I wonder if your management team has considered the need for an overarching CMS type planning/recording logic to track performance indicators through all of your lead partners and CCS teams. The driver for developing the CMS has consistently been the demands for a seamless CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE recording/monitoring system for linking the strategic level with the operational level. Our basic planning logic is that the objective for each important feature to be managed is tagged with measurable performance indicators so that outcomes of the plan can be monitored. Each objective is then assigned a schedule of resources, such as jobs, methods and finance, to control factors standing in the way of reaching the objective. Such a project-based management system can be accommodated on a single sheet of paper/spreadsheet or entered into a combined online computer database/GIS system for ease of centralised reporting and spreading ideas and achievements. In the latter context we are developing interactive training/education modules for promoting the topic of environmental management, one of which is based on the cross-curricular topic of 'managing natural beauty'. Through the agency of the Consortium, the above planning recording logic is currently
Page 156 Page being used at various levels of thematic complexity throughout the UK and into Europe. On the Gower, our CMS is currently being used by NRW (an online computer database) and the National Trust (a paper system). Therefore, it should be relatively easy for these two organisations to provide you with nature conservation performance indicators. I see the important question as: 'Could a CMS be developed that includes all the organisations which your 2014 plan is asking to report on their operational outcomes?'. Would you be interested in discussing this question with the Consortium with a view co- producing a suitable data model for joint evaluation? There would be no monetary costs to the AONB team. Sara I'm writing to say that I have reviewed the proposed AONB management plan of Gower Aesthetic qualities Holden and wish to comment that we agree with the conservation aspects and objectives that considered to be Managing have been set out. However, as an arts organisation that has worked extensively on satisfactorily addressed in Artist Gower AONB, CCS and CCW educational environmental art projects with local schools Theme 14 – Awareness Sculpture that have inspired and educated children and young people about the area, we would Raising and Understanding by the Sea welcome emphasis being put on its aesthetic qualities too. Beautiful landscapes and and actions under CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE UK seascapes have always been recorded by artists and poets whose art has helped to Objective 38 – e.g. develop highlight, show and persuade others of the cultural importance of keeping special and implement a places natural and undeveloped. Item PI2 of the plan sets out to support programme of intellectual environmentally sustainable craft and workshop activities so we would hope that this access, walks, talks and would include the services of groups like ourselves who are trained artists and have for events projects. many years run environmental art programmes that couple nature and art. In line with ‘Natural Beauty’ is a term Objective 38 to increase public access to, appreciation of and involvement with all the that has a specific special qualities of the AONB, we would welcome the opportunity to be involved in interpretation for AONBs helping to deliver the Gower Cultural Heritage programme such as intellectual access, and National Parks. CCW walks, talks and events projects that help enhance people's environmental awareness, prepared a statement on cultural appreciation and knowledge. natural beauty available Thank you for all your help and support in running our past Gower Nature and Art here: Page 157 Page projects and we hope to work again with the AONB in the future. Please feel free to http://www.ccgc.gov.uk/lan show others involved in the consultation the photo and text features on our website dscape--wildlife/protecting- (www.sculpturebythesea.co.uk ) of projects that we have successfully run on Gower our-landscape/special- such as our annual sculpture festival on the beaches and projects in nature reserves landscapes-- such as Bishops Wood (i.e. Every child Outside Sculpture Trail Project) in partnership sites/protected-landscapes- with AONB and City and County of Swansea. and-sites/aonbs/clwydian- I would like also to draw your attention that the title/words AREA OF OUTSTANDING range-and-dee- NATURAL BEAUTY actually refer to the aesthetic - beautiful and artistic aspects of the valley/technical- place (rather than any scientific aspects) so we would hope to see the final plan give at reports.aspx least 50% priority to these qualities and fund these aspects equally with the more This statement scientific side of its management - i.e. fund projects that help others understand, feel encompasses a wider sense of place and be part of the cultural heritage of the place, in line with tranquil definition than just the activities. Also that Education about the place is an important part of the conservation aesthetic qualities of the and sustainability of the place. landscape. I know that you will give consideration to these things that I have highlighted.
CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE Phil Holden Great Management plan. When it comes to sustainable tourism obj.24 , my main Noted. Photo- consideration must be whether photo libraries in the area may lose out from the GLP project has recently graphy availability of photos from other sources at prices that are less than industry standards. commissioned a portfolio of I was surprised to see that you are using photos by [name withheld] someone I went to images using a local school with in Lamphey and a practicing geologist from Pembs. rather than a local professional photographer such as myself. Please let me know if you are ever in need of photos even for presentation use. Mr Paul I would like to discuss the AONB boundary line that comes across Caswell Road from AONB Team met with Mr Griffiths Langland Golf Club and goes half way along my road and shoots of at an angle across Griffiths to discuss the Resident the bottom of my garden. It would make much more sense when it crosses Caswell boundary issue around his Road that it follows the footpath as opposed to as previously described go half way property. No amendments along a road and the arbitarely go south and join the footpath required to the Plan
Page 158 Page Gower On the whole I think the plan is really thorough in terms of addressing the framework it This AONB Plan revision Power provides. I also can't help but think the plan is missing a trick if it doesn't consider in has focussed on updating Community more detail the flow of resources in and out of the AONB and any potential positive and objectives and actions. Cooperative negative effects of those flows. Without wanting to go into too much detail, my Some principles raised in concerns would be addressed by properly embedding the principles of a 'circular these comments would be economy' within the plan and underpinning the long term vision by those principles. difficult to incorporate into I also think the AONB management plan vision should have "Consumption" as one of the revision given the its key themes, as supporting residents, business and visitors alike to consume statutory requirements and responsibly would go so far to support many of the other themes (1,5, 8 & 9). guidance for AONB As you are aware, I have concerns about the "honeypot tourism" that I think most Management Plans. beautiful places inevitably promote to monetise their beauty, but I think even if this AONB Partnership will temptation is irresistible then we should be doing a better job of it and not opting down continue to work with the "leaky bucket" approach. My point is illustrated by the following video... GPCC e.g. through the https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj3Bp13hLiE#t=25 Rural Development Plan I am not suggesting that a Bristol Pound solution is the right one, (it almost definitely and developing the Natural isn't), moreover that the AONB management plan should do more to build co- Resource Planning CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE dependencies/ co-operation between producers, tourist operators, transport approach. companies, community facilities, ecologists etc for the sake of protecting the AONB and retaining as much economic resource within the AONB. I don't know I am suggesting this as an additional theme (Co-operation?) or it just relates back to the principles of a circular economy I mentioned. I also have strong views about the importance of creating decentralised energy systems for the sake of building resilience within the AONB, but I think these can wait for the revised plan in 5 years time!!! Friends of 1 Friends of Swansea Horses (F.O.S.H.) was set up to protect the welfare of horses in Horse welfare issues and Swansea the Swansea area. Our principle is ‘putting horses first’. There are many horses kept measures are being taken Horses within the AONB. These include horses kept on common land as well as private land forward through other and in connection with horse businesses. Horses have long had an association with the mechanisms in the Council Page 159 Page Gower and, we believe, their care has an important impact on perceptions of the area. and by other partners. No 2 It is of concern that the management and care of horses on the Gower receives amendments have beeen almost no mention at all in the 2014 AONB Draft Management Plan. The reason for this made to the Management is unclear but perhaps has to do with them falling between various stools. The Plan, for Plan, but the AONB example, addresses ‘Agriculture’ yet horses as companion animals, kept for grazing or Partnership has enabled living as semi-feral animals, are not strictly an aspect of agriculture. The Plan also FOSH to present at their refers to ‘Biodiversity’ but again kept horses do not ordinarily fall under this heading. meetings. 3 Nonetheless, the management and care of horses on the Gower is important and bears on a number of objectives of the Plan. There is, unfortunately, much evidence of poor welfare of horses kept. This includes the welfare of non-adapted horses turned out onto marshland (for example, on Llanrhidian Marsh off Penclawdd) which are exposed to extreme conditions of tides, cold and exposure, inadequate care in some instance of horses turned out on other areas of common land, and high rates of vehicle accidents affecting roaming horses. Those horses kept under the auspices of ‘pony improvement societies’ which are often hardy breeds may nevertheless receive inadequate care. CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE 4 The Plan addresses issues on the Gower and objectives over the next 5 years in terms of 14 ‘themes’. The achievement of objectives against each theme will determine whether or not goals for the management plan in ‘conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the area’ (paragraph 1.2) are achieved. Failure to properly consider and address the management and welfare of horses on the Gower represents a threat to certain of these objectives. The welfare of horses as complex, sentient animals is intrinsically important. However, failure to ensure proper care also will affect the reputation of the Gower as a tourist destination (Theme 9) and may significantly detract from raising ‘awareness and understanding’ of the area (Theme 14). There are likely to be detrimental effects on other areas/themes too (eg recreation, landscape). 5 We note that references in the draft plan are limited at the moment to a very brief one in paragraph 3.4 as follows :
Page 160 Page ‘Significant tracts of common land, including the North Gower salt marshes, are grazed by cattle and sheep and – to a lesser extent – by ponies.’ and in paragraph 3.12 by implication though without referring specifically to horses as follows : ‘…Pressures from traffic travelling across the common have contributed to increase the risk of car/livestock accidents.’ Given the numbers, the welfare issues, the role and place of horses on the Gower this is entirely inadequate. 6 We believe failure to address the management and welfare of horses on the Gower potentially directly prejudices the achievement of the following Objectives in the draft plan : Theme 7 : Recreation Objective 18: Ensure that Access Land is available and publicised for its use by communities and visitors By affecting public perception of the attractiveness of accessing land were horses may have a reputation for ill-treatment. Theme 9 : Tourism Objective 24: Support the development of a sustainable tourism industry on Gower. By negatively affecting perceptions of the area in terms of humane and appropriate CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE treatment of horses kept and seen on the Gower, for example, as part of the tourist experience of tranquillity, beauty, contact with nature and rural life. Theme 14 : Awareness-raising and understanding Objective 37: Raise the profile of the AONB special qualities and its environmental, social and economic value By drawing attention to distressing or disturbing aspects of the way animals are kept and treated at the expense of consideration of other qualities of the AONB. Objective 38: Increase public access to, appreciation of and involvement with all the special qualities of the AONB, but particularly: • Biodiversity: • Geology; • Landscape; • Cultural Heritage As above, by drawing attention to distressing or disturbing aspects of the way animals are kept and treated at the expense of consideration of other qualities of the AONB. Page 161 Page 7 Friends of Swansea Horses wish to propose that the draft Management Plan is amended to include some specific references to ensuring the proper management and attention to welfare of horses kept on the Gower. We are concerned that if such explicit reference is not made then it may make it more difficult to address often long-standing welfare problems of horses over the coming years. We note that the welfare of horses has an increasingly high public profile in Wales. 8 We recommend that before the Plan is finalised that in each of the key sections of the report that a relevant statement is included which, in combination, will provide direction to a strategy for protecting and improving horse welfare across the Gower. We recognise that role of horses on the Gower and their management cuts across themes within the Plan. However, it would be straightforward to include such statements under relevant sections. Specifically, we recommend that : In Chapter 2, a short section is added titled, ‘Special Quality : Horses on the Gower’. Relavant information under each of the headings should be included relating to ‘Status’, ‘Drivers for Change’, ‘Current and Future Trends’, ‘Potential Monitoring and Indicators’. In Chapter 3, some discussion is provided of activities relating to horses on the Gower, CONTACT COMMENT RESPONSE perhaps subsumed within the ‘Tourism’ section. In Chapters 4 and 5 relating to ‘The Vision’ and ‘The Strategy’ for the Gower AONB that specific statements on objectives are included which relate to horses under some or all off the sub-sections on ‘Recreation’, ‘Tourism’ and ‘Awareness and Understanding’. 9 Friends of Swansea Horses is aware that the draft Management Plan is close to finalisation. We are also aware that a formal consultation closed on 19th December 2014. Unfortunately, we were unaware of this until very recently and are knowingly submitting this report ‘late’. However, we believe that the proper management of horses on the Gower firstly for their welfare, but also because of their role in tourism, recreation, awareness, and landscape are too important to ignore or to leave out of this essential Plan.
Page 162 Page 10. We hope that the Gower AONB Partnership Group will give this comment urgent consideration. Friends of Swansea Horses will be pleased to submit specific recommendations for content of the Plan relating to horses. We could do so rapidly – over a period of less than a week if needed – to assist finalisation of the Plan.
CHRIS LINDLEY GOWER AONB TEAM LEADER 6 DECEMBER 2016 Agenda Item 9
Report of the Gower AONB Officer
Gower AONB Partnership Steering Group – 19 December 2016
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND – UPDATE
The AONB Team operate a small grant scheme - The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) – using funding provided by Welsh Government.
The aim of the fund is to support innovative, sustainable, environmental projects, which involve local communities in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
The SDF aims through partnership, to develop and test ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in a countryside of great natural beauty and diversity. The scheme will seek to conserve and enhance the local characteristics of culture, wildlife, landscape, land use and community. Sustaining the social well-being and economic viability of communities are also important aims of this scheme.
Applications can be for small grants of less than £3,000 or larger grants of up to £25,000. Applications over £3,000 are assessed by the SDF Grants Panel, which is a subgroup of the AONB Partnership Steering Group.
Report for 2016/17 to date
This year, the budget for the fund is £55,000. There are currently 17 projects being funded, with a further 4 applications under assessment. Currently £7,626.52 is uncommitted for 2016/17, but this will be fully committed by the end of January.
The Committed Funds figure includes a CCS Management Fee of £5,500 (10%).
Total Funds available £ 55,000.00
Committed Funds £ 47,373.48
Under Commitment £ 7,626.52
Pending Applications £ 7,625.00
Projection for 2017/18
The budget for 2017/18 will not be confirmed until March/April 2017, however, there are 6 projects currently being funded for 2017/18, with 2 applications under assessment, and 3 more anticipated within the next 2 months.
Page 163 A budget of £48,600 is anticipated, with £25,670 currently committed, and applications valued at £20,600 anticipated – it is likely that the fund will be fully committed ahead of 2017/18.
Mike Scott, 12th December 2016
Page 164